Vision-Based Navigation for Formation Flight onboard ISS

The proposed Phase II supports completion of the RINGS science missions on ISS using SVGS as real-time sensor for the EMFF maneuver. During Phase I, SVGS-based navigation of RINGS was developed and tested on a 3DOF ground-based platform, and mechanical and electrical integration of RINGS with the free-flying robotic platforms on ISS (Astrobee) was designed in detail. SVGS was deployed and tested on a platform equivalent to the Guest Scientist Module (HLP) on Astrobee, which facilitates direct deployment of SVGS on Astrobee with minimal additional hardware. The Phase II effort will support the deployment and completion of the EMFF and WPT science sessions of RINGS onboard ISS, using SVGS as GNamp;C sensor. Ground testing of the RINGS-Astrobee assembly willnbsp;including formation flight in both open and closed loop maneuvers.RINGS is currently unutilized on board ISS. The RINGS science missions are an important step to demonstrate and assess the feasibility of electromagnetic formation flight and wireless power transfer. The proposed research would enable to leverage the substantial expenditures and effort already invested in the development of RINGS to serve as demonstration of EMFF and WPT - technology areas of great promise for future small spacecraft.nbsp;The proposed Phase II will also help demonstrate and assess SVGS as stand-alone sensor for proximity operations between small satellites. SVGS is an attractive alternative as real-time sensor for rendezvous, docking and proximity operations. Key factors that make SVGS attractive to small satellite applications (small form factor, low cost, platform independence) also makes it appealing to human exploration missions, where crew vehicles need to dock with a variety of platforms. The niche for a proximity operations sensor for smallsat applications is currently open ndash; the deployment of SVGS on ISS and its application to complete the RINGS mission will illustrate SVGSrsquo; ability to fill that role.