Autonomous rendezvous and docking sensor suite

Abstract

Advanced Optical Systems, Inc. is developing the Autonomous Rendezvous and Docking Sensor Suite for Marshall Space Flight Center to provide real-time range and 6 Degree Of Freedom (DOF) information. This information facilitates the autonomous docking of two spacecraft. The sensor suite is comprised of the Advanced Video Guidance Sensor (AVGS) and the Wide Angle Laser Range Finder (WALRF). AVGS was developed under NASA's Demonstration of Autonomous Rendezvous Technology (DART) program for a cooperative target and is scheduled to fly in 2004. The prototype of the WALRF is being developed at AOS under a different program. The sensor suite can provide range and bearing data up to 5km and 6 DOF information up to 300m for the DART target configuration. Different target geometries can increase range detection and 6 DOF detection distance. The sensor suite is a laser-based optical system with a combined weight of less than 40lbs and a combined volume of less than 12”×10”×18”. The WALRF system employs a bistatic transceiver with an 8° field of view (FOV). This sensor is a time-of-flight range finder with a quad detector. The AVGS section of the suite is a monostatic transceiver with a 16° FOV and high-speed imager. This section of the suite uses a pattern recognition system that reduces imager data into 6 DOF information. In this paper we will outline in detail the AVGS and WLRF functionality as well as experimental range data and measurement accuracy.