Summary

Description

<p>The objective of this IRAD is to establish in-house onboard OpNav measurement data processing capabilities through software development and testing.  Software development will include: 1) celestial and terrain-relative OpNav data processing, 2) high-fidelity camera modeling, and 3) onboard orbit determination software integration and testing.</p><p>Upon successful completion of this IRAD, enhancements to the Goddard Enhanced Onboard Navigation System (GEONS) will allow onboard orbit determination using optical navigation image data for interplanetary and small body spacecraft operations.  GEONS will ingest and process celestial and terrain-relative OpNav data in the form of control points (pixel/line) located in an image.  The processed measurements are then used to supplement radiometric data in the onboard orbit determination solution and produce real-time estimates of the spacecraft’s position and velocity relative to the target body.  The resulting navigation solutions will enable near-real time control, maneuver planning, and hazard avoidance for complex proximity operations.  GEONS was chosen as the target platform because of its high heritage and operational use as an onboard spacecraft navigation system.</p>