Star tracking method based on multiexposure imaging for intensified star trackers

Area of Science:

• Space exploration technology
• Astrodynamics
• Optical navigation

Background:

• Dynamic performance requirements for star trackers are increasing with advancements in space exploration.
• Existing star tracking methods struggle with insufficient angular acceleration knowledge, leading to performance degradation and failure under dynamic conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel star tracking method using multiexposure imaging for intensified star trackers.
• To address the limitations of current methods in accurately estimating and utilizing angular acceleration for improved dynamic performance.

Main Methods:

• Developed an accurate estimation model for complete motion parameters (angular velocity and acceleration) based on multiexposure imaging characteristics.
• Utilized estimated motion parameters to generate a predictive star image.
• Enabled reliable matching and tracking between real and predictive star images under dynamic conditions.

Main Results:

• Simulations demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method under specific dynamic conditions.
• Experiments with real starry night sky observations further validated the method's performance.
• The proposed method showed excellent performance in highly dynamic scenarios.

Conclusions:

• The multiexposure imaging-based star tracking method effectively overcomes the limitations of existing techniques in dynamic environments.
• Accurate estimation of angular velocity and acceleration is crucial for robust star tracking.
• This approach significantly enhances the reliability and performance of star trackers for future space missions.