ActiveApproach: On-orbit inspection of space-based targets

Accurate 3D models are vital for the inspection and characterization of orbiting spacecraft. 3D models of a target spacecraft can be generated from a set of images captured by an approaching platform, but the accuracy and completeness of the generated 3D model is highly dependent on the geometry of the captured viewpoints and illumination conditions; if navigation is planned without consideration of these factors, the quality of the resulting model will suffer. The proposed system integrates 3D target reconstruction, inspection, and characterization with autonomous relative navigation control, ensuring optimal balance of external constraints (e.g. propellant use) with model completeness and accuracy. The results of the proposed Phase I effort are a software module capable of target modeling and viewpoint prioritization, and a vision-guided path planning module that balances propulsion conservation and model quality objectives.