Session
Technical Session III: Advanced Technologies II
Abstract
Precision attitude control is a fundamental need in many constellation applications both for station-keeping and mission operations. To achieve arc-second pointing a star camera is required, however current camera systems available for nanosatellites have limited arc-minute performance and are solely purposed for attitude solutions. The Blue Canyon Technologies (BCT) Nano Star Camera-1 (NSC-1) is a small nanosatellite form factor star camera that has multiple dynamic modes of operation. The first and primary function of the NSC-1 is to provide star-light-inquaternion- out attitude estimates, which it does at a rate of 5Hz with an accuracy of 0.002 degrees (7 arc-seconds), 1-sigma. The second function of the NSC-1 is to provide full-field images, with resolution greater than 1 megapixel. The images can be provided to the host at 1Hz to support functions such as pose determination for RPOD. Akin to typical hand-held cameras, the NSC-1 supports multiple exposure methods to maximize image quality of the object being viewed. It also supports multiple dynamic regions of interest that can be controlled independently, to optimize the image of an object while simultaneously viewing stars for attitude. The third function of the NSC-1 is to support space situational awareness (SSA) applications. The NSC-1 automatically detects objects moving relative to the star field and reports the information to the host spacecraft. Operating in the SSA mode, spacecraft can utilize the NSC-1 for vision based relative navigation applications.
Presentation Slides
An Agile Multi-use Nano Star Camera for Constellation Applications
Precision attitude control is a fundamental need in many constellation applications both for station-keeping and mission operations. To achieve arc-second pointing a star camera is required, however current camera systems available for nanosatellites have limited arc-minute performance and are solely purposed for attitude solutions. The Blue Canyon Technologies (BCT) Nano Star Camera-1 (NSC-1) is a small nanosatellite form factor star camera that has multiple dynamic modes of operation. The first and primary function of the NSC-1 is to provide star-light-inquaternion- out attitude estimates, which it does at a rate of 5Hz with an accuracy of 0.002 degrees (7 arc-seconds), 1-sigma. The second function of the NSC-1 is to provide full-field images, with resolution greater than 1 megapixel. The images can be provided to the host at 1Hz to support functions such as pose determination for RPOD. Akin to typical hand-held cameras, the NSC-1 supports multiple exposure methods to maximize image quality of the object being viewed. It also supports multiple dynamic regions of interest that can be controlled independently, to optimize the image of an object while simultaneously viewing stars for attitude. The third function of the NSC-1 is to support space situational awareness (SSA) applications. The NSC-1 automatically detects objects moving relative to the star field and reports the information to the host spacecraft. Operating in the SSA mode, spacecraft can utilize the NSC-1 for vision based relative navigation applications.
