Evaluation of Star Identification Techniques

Abstract

Traditionally, star sensors have used fairly large e elds of view and bright stars to perform tracking and identie cation. Recent trends in space missions have brought out the need for smaller e eld-of-view sensors, capable of performing multiple functions that will reduce spacecraft payload and cost. A number of different strategies are used or have been suggested for identifying star e elds for attitude determination in space. We offer a general classie cation of theexisting techniques and select three representative algorithms formorecomprehensive evaluation. The identie cation rates and performance of the three algorithms are presented over a variety of noise conditions using two different sized onboard catalogs. Substantial differences in algorithm performance are identie ed for various noise levels, which should provide some indication of the suitability of the algorithm for smaller e elds of view.