Analysis and demonstration: a proof-of-concept compass star tracker
| Title: | Analysis and demonstration: a proof-of-concept compass star tracker |
| Author: | Swanzy, Michael John |
| Abstract: | This research analyzes and demonstrates the local position determination problem on Earth using a novel instrument, the Compass Star Tracker. Special focus is given to the theoretical development of the mathematics of local position determination, the design and fabrication of a proof-of-concept instrument, an error source analysis, and the experimental tests used to validate the position determination concepts. Star sensors are typically used as attitude determination instruments on spacecraft orbiting Earth. In this capacity, the star sensor determines the orientation of the spacecraft using digital images of the stars. This research utilizes the basic functionality of the star sensor in a new way; the orientation information from the star image is used to determine a user's latitude and longitude coordinates on Earth. This concept is valuable because it allows users to determine their position autonomously. The fundamental concepts that enable local position determination were originally published in Drs. Samaan, Mortari, and Junkins (AAS 04-007). This research improves upon that work by eliminating the zenith-orientation constraint and providing several crucial theoretical corrections. In addition to the position determination mathematics, this research provides analysis of the theoretical and practical error sources associated with the position determination problem. This research also details the design, fabrication, and experimental test program of a proof-of-concept Compass Star Tracker. Together, the theoretical development, error analysis, instrument design, and test program serve as validation of the the position determination concept. This work is intended as the first of many steps toward eventual deployment of autonomous position determination sensors on the Moon and Mars. |
| Publisher: | Texas A&M University |
| Subject: |
Navigation
Attitude Estimation |
| URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/4853 |
| Date: | 2005-12 |
Citation
(2005).
Analysis and demonstration: a proof-of-concept compass star tracker.
Master's thesis,
Texas A&M University.
Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
http : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /4853.
Files in this item
| Files | Size | Format | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| etd-tamu-2005C-AERO-Swanzy.pdf | 848.2Kb |
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Electronic Theses, Dissertations, and Records of Study (2002-present) [10425]
Electronic Theses, Dissertations, and Records of Study Collection
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