Vision-based navigation around small bodies

Abstract

The paper is focused on the vision-based navigation around small bodies, starting with general overview of methods used in space navigation. The mission scenario is based on the latest guidelines for the ESA’s Phobos Sample Return mission (until recently known as Phootprint) and the focus of the presented research is placed on the body relative navigation methods that are applicable for use around asteroids and small moons. In particular, detailed analysis of absolute navigation with reference to the body surface is performed. The results section contains analysis of the positioning accuracy achieved by the presented algorithms on a set of images generated using PANGU software.