Abstract
We present a novel flash-lidar method with applica-
tions in rendezvous, satellite servicing, and debris removal. The
method has been realized as a functional breadboard model.
A first-principles simulation tool has been developed, which
accurately reproduces the novel features of the flash-lidar model.
We correlate the performance of the model with the requirements
of rendezvous and docking operations in a robotic in-orbit
servicing mission, and compare with a novel structured light 3D
camera also developed for space. In estimating trajectories for a
docking scenario we get 1cm error in the position estimates.
tions in rendezvous, satellite servicing, and debris removal. The
method has been realized as a functional breadboard model.
A first-principles simulation tool has been developed, which
accurately reproduces the novel features of the flash-lidar model.
We correlate the performance of the model with the requirements
of rendezvous and docking operations in a robotic in-orbit
servicing mission, and compare with a novel structured light 3D
camera also developed for space. In estimating trajectories for a
docking scenario we get 1cm error in the position estimates.