A Unified Nano-Satellite Sensing Architecture for Orientation, Docking, and Whole-Sky Imaging

Many mission concepts are open to nano-satellites if simultaneous docking, star-based orientation, and qualitative whole-sky imaging capabilities are available. This research articulates and experimentally demonstrates a sensing architecture that achieves all three simultaneously, at the nano-satellite scale, using the same sensor hardware. A nano-satellite’s principal system constraints are volume and power. This research addresses volume minimization by proposing the use of recently developed high-dynamic range (HDR) cameras to eliminate the bulky light shields required on all existing star-tracking cameras. The high dynamic-range coupled with the absence of light shields allows these cameras to additionally serve in docking and imaging roles. The high-speed camera system developed for NASA’s Max Launch Abort System provides the system and algorithmic foundations for simultaneous docking and whole-sky imaging. An extension of that algorithm allows star-based orientation determination. This research only attempts to adapt the cameras, optics, and algorithms to the nano-satellite scale. Moore’s Law and the onward march of computer miniaturization will shrink the computation elements to the requisite nano-satellite power and volume scales. Space environmental considerations are considered future work. Self-orbit determination (hence navigation), foreign-object orbit determination, coordinated satellite operations, and the application of spatial-domain image-enhancement algorithms are examples of high-payoff future work enabled by the proposed nano-satellite sensing architecture.