A Dynamics Estimation Filter for Pose and Motion Estimation in Orbit

Abstract

The fundamental task of a space vision system for rendezvous of satellites on-orbit is the real-time determination of the motion of the target satellite as observed from the chaser spacecraft. The usual task of a vision system is to return a snapshot and measurement of the target's position and orientation at a moment in time. Augmenting this architecture with an extended Kalman filter, incorporating a dynamic model and the ability to propagate motion, synthesizes a system that is more efficient and robust.