Real-Time Aerospace Vehicle Position Estimation Using Terrestrial Illumination Matching

An algorithm to conduct real-time air or space craft position determination via terrestrial illumination matching (TIM) is presented consisting of a novel method that uses terrestrial lights as a surrogate for star fields. Although star sensors and the Global Positioning System (GPS) represent a highly accurate means of attitude determination and position, respectively, TIM provides a potentially viable alternative. In the event of star sensor or GPS malfunction or performance degradation, an aerospace vehicle with a camera on board could do the job. In an era where satellites are getting smaller and smaller, the market for dual-purpose sensors to replace traditional ones is also rising. The work will present TIM as a collection of image acquisition, processing and geolocation techniques in a realtime setting using a GoPro connected to OpenCV via Wi-Fi.