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Laser-Based Relative Navigation and Guidance for Space Shuttle Proximity OperationsAmerican manned spacecraft have used visual piloting techniques in the terminal phase of randezvous during the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, and Space Shuttle programs. In the last several years, space- shuttle astronauts have used the Rendezvous and Proximity Operations Program (RPOP), running; on a laptop computer, as a guidance and navigation aid during proximity operations. By processing measurements to the target satellite taken by a laser sensor, RPOP provides the shuttle crew with a more accurate relative position and velocity than from any other source. The inclusion of guidance algorithms allows RPOP to determine delta-velocities to fly very efficient, repeatable trajectories. This paper will focus on the guidance and navigation algorithms in RPOP, as well as results from simulation and flight. Although developed for shuttle proximity operations, the RPOP algorithms have potential applicability to an automated vehicle.
Document ID
20030105395
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Clark, Fred D.
(Lockheed Martin Space Operations)
Spehar, Peter T.
(Lockheed Martin Space Operations Houston, TX, United States)
Brazzel, Jr. , Jack P.
(Lockheed Martin Space Operations Houston, TX, United States)
Hinkel, Heather D.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2003
Publication Information
Publication: Advances in the Astronautical Sciences
Volume: 113
ISSN: 0065-3438
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Report/Patent Number
JSC-CN-7698
Meeting Information
Meeting: Guidance and Control 2003: Advances in the Astronautical Sciences
Location: Breckenridge, CO
Country: United States
Start Date: February 5, 2003
End Date: February 9, 2003
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
Laser sensors

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