Abstract
At present, the on-orbit calibration of the geometric parameters of a space surveying camera is usually processed by data from a ground calibration field after capturing the images. The entire process is very complicated and lengthy and cannot monitor and calibrate the geometric parameters in real time. On the basis of a large number of on-orbit calibrations, we found that owing to the influence of many factors, e.g., weather, it is often difficult to capture images of the ground calibration field. Thus, regular calibration using field data cannot be ensured. This article proposes a real time self-calibration method for a space linear array camera on a satellite using the optical auto collimation principle. A collimating light source and small matrix array CCD devices are installed inside the load system of the satellite; these use the same light path as the linear array camera. We can extract the location changes of the cross marks in the matrix array CCD to determine the real-time variations in the focal length and angle parameters of the linear array camera. The on-orbit status of the camera is rapidly obtained using this method. On one hand, the camera’s change regulation can be mastered accurately and the camera’s attitude can be adjusted in a timely manner to ensure optimal photography; in contrast, self-calibration of the camera aboard the satellite can be realized quickly, which improves the efficiency and reliability of photogrammetric processing.
Highlights
A space camera is a key piece of equipment in obtaining original image information
Using the calibration field method makes meeting the needs of on-orbit calibration in a timely manner difficult
In view of these issues, methods that can directly monitor and calibrate state changes of the satellite camera in real time, or almost in real time, are required. This study presents such a method; it uses the optical autocollimation principle to achieve real-time monitoring and on-orbit self-calibration of a space linear array camera
Summary
A space camera is a key piece of equipment in obtaining original image information. Affected by changes in vibration, air pressure, temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors during the launch process, the interior orientation elements of the camera and the angle of lens axis between the star camera and ground camera have produced unpredictable changes. Using the calibration field method makes meeting the needs of on-orbit calibration in a timely manner difficult. In view of these issues, methods that can directly monitor and calibrate state changes of the satellite camera in real time, or almost in real time, are required. This study presents such a method; it uses the optical autocollimation principle to achieve real-time monitoring and on-orbit self-calibration of a space linear array camera
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