New generation optical star trackers for scientific payloads

Abstract

The paper represents new generation of star trackers for astroorientation of satellites of the SPECTR series, i.e. the carriers of scientific payloads within the framework of the Intercosmos program. The system is designed for the new X-ray orbiting observatory SPECTR - RENTGEN - GAMMA. The architecture and the implementation of certain blocks of the intelligent astronavigation system are described. It is based on CCD sensors for obtaining images from point and extended optical sources. The implementation of digital image processing and the identification of observed stellar configuration into the onboard stellar catalog make the system entirely autonomous. The automatic identification and the flexible system control ensure work without preliminary instructions and refer the system to new generation sensors with artificial intelligence. The system works in the following modes: • — tracking of point sorces; • — tracking of extended sources; • — optical navigation. This system can be used for both three axial stabilization and spinrotating satellites. The modular principle of the system, the availability of image processing and recognition, the onboard catalog memory and the operational modes of the system define it as multifunctional one and enable its adaptation to robotic identification and positioning vision technology for space station applications.