Interplanetary optical navigation using Charge Coupled Devices

Abstract

Charge Coupled Devices (CCD) will be used as optical navigation image detectors in space missions planned for the 1980's. This paper presents analyses directed at assessing the performance of an imaging system employing a CCD (i.e., a solid state imager (SSI)), for a Jovian satellite tour environment. CCD operating principles are summarized and methods of calculating theoretical dynamic range presented. Methods of analyzing the SSI's ability to perform the fundamental optical navigation function of imaging a target body and one or more stars, are presented. This capability is expressed as a function of SSI optical and electronic parameters and of astrophysical parameters. The influence of these factors and pointing control errors on navigation picture budgets is analyzed. The effect of the sun's glare is analyzed from the standpoint of its reduction of SSI dynamic range and increase of navigation picture budget. Radiation effects on SSI navigation imaging performance are discussed and a method of analyzing probabilities of distinguishing real from false stars presented.