Optical stimulator for vision-based sensors
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Dirk Roessler
Dirk Roessler is responsible for the development of the hardware and the software of the stimulator. He worked at the Measurements and Instrumentation group at the National Space Institute, Technical University of Denmark, from 2011 to 2013. Roessler holds a diploma degree in Geophysics from the University of Leipzig, Germany and a doctoral degree in Geophysics from the University of Potsdam, Germany.
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David A.K. Pedersen
David A.K. Pedersen works with image analysis and develops methods and software related to DTU’s microAdvanced Stellar Compass and Vision-Based System. Pedersen joined the Measurement and Instrumentation group at the National Space Institute, Technical University of Denmark 2011. Pedersen holds a MSc E.E. from the Technical University of Denmark.
Mathias Benn develops methods, software, and hardware related to DTU’s microAdvanced Stellar compass and vision-based systems for closed-loop formation flying of spacecraft. He joined the Measurements and Instrumentation group at the National Space Institute, Technical University of Denmark, in 2007. Benn holds a MSc E.E. with focus on Space Technology and a PhD in Space Technology from the Technical University of Denmark.
John L. Jørgensen is Professor and Head of Measurement and Instrumentation division at the National Space Institute, Technical University of Denmark. Jørgensen is expert in space technology and systems such as rockets, satellites, and advanced measurement systems. He has developed the world’s first fully autonomous star tracker camera. His research focus is on the development of technology for future spacecraft formation flying as a condition for many ambitious space missions such as manned expeditions to Mars, extremely large and precise telescopes, and Earth observation missions.
Abstract
We have developed an optical stimulator system for vision-based sensors. The stimulator is an efficient tool for stimulating a camera during on-ground testing with scenes representative of spacecraft flights. Such scenes include starry sky, planetary objects, and other spacecraft. The optical stimulator is used as a test bench to simulate high-precision navigation by different types of camera systems that are used onboard spacecraft, planetary rovers, and for spacecraft rendezvous and proximity maneuvers. Careful hardware design and preoperational calibration of the stimulator result in high precision and long-term stability. The system can be continuously used over several days. By facilitating a full camera including optics in the loop, the stimulator enables the more realistic simulation of flight maneuvers based on navigation cameras than pure computer simulations or camera stimulations without the involvement of the actual optics.
About the authors
Dirk Roessler is responsible for the development of the hardware and the software of the stimulator. He worked at the Measurements and Instrumentation group at the National Space Institute, Technical University of Denmark, from 2011 to 2013. Roessler holds a diploma degree in Geophysics from the University of Leipzig, Germany and a doctoral degree in Geophysics from the University of Potsdam, Germany.
David A.K. Pedersen works with image analysis and develops methods and software related to DTU’s microAdvanced Stellar Compass and Vision-Based System. Pedersen joined the Measurement and Instrumentation group at the National Space Institute, Technical University of Denmark 2011. Pedersen holds a MSc E.E. from the Technical University of Denmark.
Mathias Benn develops methods, software, and hardware related to DTU’s microAdvanced Stellar compass and vision-based systems for closed-loop formation flying of spacecraft. He joined the Measurements and Instrumentation group at the National Space Institute, Technical University of Denmark, in 2007. Benn holds a MSc E.E. with focus on Space Technology and a PhD in Space Technology from the Technical University of Denmark.
John L. Jørgensen is Professor and Head of Measurement and Instrumentation division at the National Space Institute, Technical University of Denmark. Jørgensen is expert in space technology and systems such as rockets, satellites, and advanced measurement systems. He has developed the world’s first fully autonomous star tracker camera. His research focus is on the development of technology for future spacecraft formation flying as a condition for many ambitious space missions such as manned expeditions to Mars, extremely large and precise telescopes, and Earth observation missions.
Acknowledgments
The development of this stimulator has received funding from GMV Aerospace and Defense SA within the framework of a project of the European Space Agency (ESA). Two anonymous reviewers are acknowledged for their helpful comments and Kevin Flemming for editorial suggestions. Both have led to significant improvements of the manuscript. We thank the entire staff at DTU Space, Measurement and Instrumentation, for their enthusiastic support throughout the project.
References
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©2014 by THOSS Media & De Gruyter Berlin/Boston
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Articles in the same Issue
- Cover and Frontmatter
- Views
- Transferring diffractive optics from research to commercial applications: Part II – size estimations for selected markets
- Community
- Conference Notes
- Conference Calendar
- Topical Issue: Active Imaging
- Editorial
- Active Imaging
- Tutorials
- Quantum cascade lasers (QCL) for active hyperspectral imaging
- Active gated imaging in driver assistance system
- Review Articles
- Active spectral imaging and mapping
- Beam shaping of laser diode stacks for compact and efficient illumination devices at the French-German Research Institute of Saint-Louis
- Research Articles
- Time-correlated single-photon counting range profiling and reflectance tomographic imaging
- Optical stimulator for vision-based sensors
