| This dissertation presents results from research on spacecraft attitude determination methods using star pattern recognition, including experimental studies using a micro star tracker to implement flight software including star pattern recognition algorithm, attitude determination algorithm, and on-orbit calibration approach.; This dissertation is divided into four portions. First, a design study is presented for both single and split field-of-view (FOV) star trackers to establish specifications for a prototype system. Second, a new star pattern identification method is presented to determine an attitude estimate of spacecraft for the Lost-In-Space case of no prior attitude estimate. This work includes the star catalog generation. Third, a recursive on-orbit calibration approach is studied to calibrate effective focal lengths, focal plane offsets, interlock angles due to mirror misalignment, lens distortions, and compensation for electronic aging nonlinearities. Finally, results from a series of night-sky experiments are analyzed to validate the design and the new star pattern identification approach. |
