On SINS\\star tracker geo-localization

Abstract

This work focuses on the feasibility of a fully autonomous geo-localization system for near-earth applications based on the strap-down inertial navigation system (SINS) and the star tracker. First, each sensor is analyzed individually. Then, the performance of the integrated system in a dynamic situation is investigated through extensive simulations. An in-depth analysis of the contributing error factors is given, and the impact on geo-localization estimation process is highlighted. The navigation solution is proven to be affected by the sensors’ errors plus an algorithmic error from the dead reckoning computation. Lastly, simulations are concluded to assess the dynamic movement scenario’s performance and navigational possibility using the nonlinear Kalman filter. The results show the continuing divergence of the integrated navigation system affected by the dead reckoning algorithm and the instability of the vertical channel. However, the continuous initial alignment in static mode reinitializes the position error successfully.