Abstract
The present invention relates to an aerospace vehicle navigation and control system comprising a terrestrial illumination matching module for determining spacecraft position and attitude. The method permits aerospace vehicle position and attitude determinations using terrestrial lights using an Earth-pointing camera without the need of a dedicated sensor to track stars, the sun, or the horizon. Thus, a module for making such determinations can easily and inexpensively be made onboard an aerospace vehicle if an Earth-pointing sensor, such as a camera, is present.
Document Type
Patent
Status
Issued
Issue Date
1-16-2024
Patent Number
US 11873123 B2 [ 11,873,123 ]
CPC Classification
B64G3/00
Application number
17/123,810
Assignees
United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH (US)
Filing Date
12-16-2020
Recommended Citation
Shockley, Liberty M., and Robert A. Bettinger. Aerospace Vehicle Navigation and Control System Comprising Terrestrial Illumination Matching Module for Determining Aerospace Vehicle Position and Attitude. United States Patent 11873123 (B2), issued 16 January 2024. https://scholar.afit.edu/patents/33