A Method for Misalignment Correction of Star Sensors

Abstract

Abstract Star sensor systems are used, to increase the accuracy of attitude measurement and to enhance the reliability of the measurement system. For obtaining the output signal of the sensor system a data fusion of the measurements of the system components is necessary. The arrangement of the sensors is influenced by the payload, antennas and other equipment. A misalignment of a sensor reduces the accuracy of the system. It can occur with mechanical tensions or temperature variations. If one sensor of the system is mounted very stable on the spacecraft platform, then it can be used to the correction of the misalignment of other sensors. The misalignment correction bases on the comparison of the measurements of the regarded sensors. The signals of the misaligned sensor can be corrected by rotation of the coordinate system. Simulation results of a two-sensor arrangement under real conditions are presented.