Cislunar Navigation Accuracy Using Optical Observations of Natural and Artificial Targets

Abstract

Onboard optical-based autonomous navigation (autonav) has the potential to significantly reduce reliance on ground-based assets, and it can provide a robust backup system for unexpected ground outages. An investigation of autonav across the solar system is continued here by assessing optical-only navigation performance in cislunar space using simulated observations of the center of the moon, lunar landmarks, artificial satellites, and asteroids. It is shown that autonav in cislunar space is feasible and effective within current technological capabilities, and that artificial satellites, the moon center, and lunar landmarks are effective targets for navigation in this region.

Topics & Concepts