Spacecraft Angular Rate Estimation via Event-Based Camera Sensing

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel method for estimating spacecraft angular rates by analyzing star-induced brightness events captured by event-based cameras, offering a potential alternative to traditional sensors.

Contribution

The paper proposes a new approach that uses event-based camera data to accurately estimate spacecraft angular velocity, validated through numerical simulations.

Findings

Method achieves accurate angular rate estimation in simulations

Potential to replace conventional rate sensors in spacecraft

Demonstrates robustness across various spacecraft orientations

Abstract

This paper presents a method for determining spacecraft angular rates using event-based camera sensing. This is achieved by analyzing the temporal distribution of brightness events triggered by the apparent motion of stars. The location and polarity of the events are used to infer the apparent motion field of the stars, which is, in turn, employed to estimate the observer angular velocity in the camera frame. This can be converted to the spacecraft angular rates provided an attitude reference. The method is validated through numerical simulation for a synthetic dataset of event streams generated on random spacecraft pointing and rates conditions. The accuracy of the method is assessed, demonstrating its potential to complement or replace conventional rate sensors in spacecraft systems using event camera sensing.