Cluster Satellite Relative Navigation with Angularly Oriented and Colored Light Source Image Processing

The study proposes a new method for determining the relative states of a target satellite using angularly directed and coloured LED lights. This visual-based relative satellite navigation system is inspired by the PAPI lights commonly used in aviation and involves mounting LED lights on the target satellite while the tracker satellite carries out camera tracking manoeuvres. The study compares different versions of relative state estimation techniques and evaluates their performance in test settings and simulation scenarios. The proposed visual-based approach was tested in a simulated space environment with background starlight, and the outcomes obtained were compared. The study suggests that the directed and coloured light source strategy can help address visual-based sensor challenges while avoiding computational burdens and line-of-sight vector concerns. The methodology proposed in this study can guide future cluster satellite configurations and creative approaches to spacecraft docking issues. This study presents a novel approach to satellite navigation and relative state estimation that could have important implications for space exploration and technology development.