SentinelCAM / SentinelTRAC: Leveraging an Optical System with Dual Functionality for Space Proximity Operations

SentinelCAM / SentinelTRAC: Leveraging an Optical System with Dual Functionality for Space Proximity Operations

Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT

The growing demand for on-orbit servicing missions such as inspection, refueling, repair, and assembly has increased the need for reliable, compact, and accurate sensing systems capable of supporting Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO). This paper presents the feasibility and advantages of employing Redwire’s SentinelCAM-1 and SentinelTRAC-2 as a dual function optical system to meet the sensing and attitude determination needs of RPO missions. Both systems share a common hardware system, with SentinelCAM-1 functioning as a high-resolution flight camera and SentinelTRAC-2 serving as a star tracker for real-time spacecraft attitude estimation. The shared design enables efficient cross-cueing, simplifies sensor fusion, and reduces hardware complexity and integration overhead. SentinelTRAC-2’s advanced star-tracking algorithm is capable of maintaining accuracy even in the presence of optical interference from reflections and propulsion exhaust. Meanwhile, SentinelCAM-1 offers low-light sensitivity and wide dynamic range, well suited to the high contrast lighting conditions of orbital environments. This dual-use architecture offers a streamlined and robust solution for modern RPO sensor suites, enhancing mission flexibility while supporting the growing trend toward spacecraft autonomy and life extension.