TriDAR: Difference between revisions
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'''TriDAR''' is a relative navigation vision system developed by [[Neptec Design Group]] and funded by the [[Canadian Space Agency]] and [[NASA]]. It provides guidance information that can be used to guide an unmanned vehicle during rendezvous and docking operations in space. TriDAR does not rely on any reference markers positioned on the target spacecraft. Instead, TriDAR relies on a [[laser]] based [[3D scanner|3D sensor]] and a [[Thermographic camera|thermal imager]]. TriDAR’s proprietary software uses the geometric information contained in successive 3D images to match against the known shape of the target object and calculate its position and orientation. |
'''TriDAR''' is a relative navigation vision system developed by [[Neptec Design Group]] and funded by the [[Canadian Space Agency]] and [[NASA]]. It provides guidance information that can be used to guide an unmanned vehicle during rendezvous and docking operations in space. TriDAR does not rely on any reference markers positioned on the target spacecraft. Instead, TriDAR relies on a [[laser]] based [[3D scanner|3D sensor]] and a [[Thermographic camera|thermal imager]]. TriDAR’s proprietary software uses the geometric information contained in successive 3D images to match against the known shape of the target object and calculate its position and orientation. |
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TriDAR will make its inaugural demonstration space flight onboard Space Shuttle Discovery on the STS-128 mission scheduled to fly in August 2009. On [[STS-128]], TriDAR will provide astronauts with real-time guidance information during rendezvous and docking with the International Space Station (ISS). It will automatically acquire and track the ISS using only knowledge about its shape. This will mark the first time a 3D sensor based “targetless” tracking vision system is used in space. |
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==Background== |
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To this date, most operational tracking solutions for pose estimation and tracking on-orbit have relied on cooperative markers placed on the target object(s). The [[Advanced Space Vision System|Space Vision System]] (SVS) used black on white or white on black dot targets. These targets were imaged with [[Space shuttle]] or [[International Space Station]] (ISS) video cameras to compute the relative pose of ISS modules to be assembled. |
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The Trajectory Control System (TCS) is currently used on board the space shuttle to provide guidance information during rendezvous and docking with the International Space Station (ISS). This laser-based system uses tracks retro reflectors located on the ISS to provide bearing, range and closing rate information. While reliable, target based systems have operational limitations as targets must be installed on target payloads. This is not always practical or even possible. For example, servicing existing satellites that don’t have reflectors installed would require a targetless tracking capability. |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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Revision as of 15:33, 14 August 2009
TriDAR is a relative navigation vision system developed by Neptec Design Group and funded by the Canadian Space Agency and NASA. It provides guidance information that can be used to guide an unmanned vehicle during rendezvous and docking operations in space. TriDAR does not rely on any reference markers positioned on the target spacecraft. Instead, TriDAR relies on a laser based 3D sensor and a thermal imager. TriDAR’s proprietary software uses the geometric information contained in successive 3D images to match against the known shape of the target object and calculate its position and orientation.
TriDAR will make its inaugural demonstration space flight onboard Space Shuttle Discovery on the STS-128 mission scheduled to fly in August 2009. On STS-128, TriDAR will provide astronauts with real-time guidance information during rendezvous and docking with the International Space Station (ISS). It will automatically acquire and track the ISS using only knowledge about its shape. This will mark the first time a 3D sensor based “targetless” tracking vision system is used in space.
Background
To this date, most operational tracking solutions for pose estimation and tracking on-orbit have relied on cooperative markers placed on the target object(s). The Space Vision System (SVS) used black on white or white on black dot targets. These targets were imaged with Space shuttle or International Space Station (ISS) video cameras to compute the relative pose of ISS modules to be assembled.
The Trajectory Control System (TCS) is currently used on board the space shuttle to provide guidance information during rendezvous and docking with the International Space Station (ISS). This laser-based system uses tracks retro reflectors located on the ISS to provide bearing, range and closing rate information. While reliable, target based systems have operational limitations as targets must be installed on target payloads. This is not always practical or even possible. For example, servicing existing satellites that don’t have reflectors installed would require a targetless tracking capability.