Title:
Spacecraft visual navigation using appearance matching and multi-spectral sensor fusion

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Author(s)
McBryde, Christopher Ryan
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Advisor(s)
Lightsey, E. Glenn
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Abstract
The approach taken in this research is to apply terrestrial techniques to improve spacecraft navigation. First, appearance matching is used as a common framework for both object identification and pose estimation and is made more robust using background randomization. Consequently, a spacecraft imaging simulation environment is created to both generate the necessary training images as well as verify the systems performance. Additionally, results for multiple sensors are fused to improve the identification and pose estimation as well as increase the operating range over more of the orbit. The result of this research is that a robust method is demonstrated for object identification and pose estimation of a spacecraft target. A single framework accomplishes both tasks and may be further enhanced using multiple sensors. Appearance matching and sensor fusion will help enable the next generation of spacecraft visual navigation.
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Date Issued
2018-05-17
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Text
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Dissertation
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