A grid algorithm for autonomous star identification

Abstract

An autonomous star identification algorithm is described that is simple and requires less computer resources than other such algorithms. In simulations using an 8/spl times/8 degree field of view (FOV), the algorithm identifies the correct section of sky on 99.7% of the sensor orientations where spatial accuracy of the imaged star is 1 pixel (56.25 arc seconds) in standard deviation and the apparent brightness deviates by 0.4 units stellar magnitude. This compares very favorably with other algorithms in the literature.