SENSORS: Networked Micro-Navigation Sensors and Laser Alignment in Space

本研究的目的是为小卫星开发自主对准微导航传感器网络。特别是，PI和他的学生将开发用于自主姿态对准的新型激光对准技术，用于传感器姿态控制的新的非线性最优控制理论，用于精确姿态确定的多传感器集成方法，用于一组小卫星的微导航传感器网络，以及验证新理论和算法的试验台。此外，PI将开发一个航天器系统工程课程，以教育和培训学生。该计划亦会设立一个实验室，以加强研究基础设施，并把研究与教育结合起来。本文的研究成果将为微导航传感器网络的自主对准提供理论和技术支持。两束激光将用于自动校准卫星的姿态。一种新的最优控制理论称为成本密度控制或统计控制将被发展和应用于激光光束的搜索和控制。精确的位置和方向确定问题将使用多传感器估计和集成方法来解决。然后，将建立一个测试平台来验证所开发的理论和算法。至于更广泛的影响，这个项目将补充大学的研究目标，它将为工程专业的学生提供一个很好的机会，通过进行高质量的研究来学习。该提案将通过控制和微空间系统实验室建立一个研究基础设施。此外，学生将接受新开发的航天器系统工程课程的培训。

Proposal NO: 0428546 - Won The objective of this research is to develop autonomously aligning micro-navigation sensor network for small satellites. In particular, the PI and his students will develop a novel laser alignment technique for the autonomous attitude alignment, a new nonlinear optimal control theory for sensor attitude control, a multi-sensor integration method for accurate attitude determination, a micro-navigation sensor network for a group of small satellites, and a testbed for verification of the new theories and algorithms. Furthermore, the PI will develop a spacecraft systems engineering course to educate and train students. The PI will also establish a laboratory to enhance the research infrastructure, and to integrate research and education. As intellectual merits of this proposal, theories and techniques for an autonomously aligning micro-navigation sensor network will be developed. Two laser beams will be used for automatic alignment of the satellite's attitude. A novel optimal control theory called cost density control or statistical control will be developed and applied for the search and control of the laser beams. Accurate position and orientation determinations problems will be addressed using multi-sensor estimation and integration methods. Then developed theories and algorithms will be verified by building a testbed. As for the broader impact, this project will supplement the research goals of the university and it will provide a great opportunity for engineering students to learn by performing high-quality research. This proposal will build a research infrastructure through the Control and Micro-Space Systems Laboratory. Moreover, students will be trained in the newly developed Spacecraft Systems Engineering course.