Autonomous Spacecraft Docking Under Uncertainty Using Vision‐Based Navigation and Thruster Control
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This paper describes the rendezvous and docking of spacecraft under uncertain conditions. Vision‐based navigation is employed as a cost‐effective and practical method to enhance the accuracy of navigation and control in order to estimate the relative position and attitude of the spacecraft. Because of the limited sampling frequency of vision‐based sensors, their standalone use fails to provide sufficient accuracy. Therefore, a discrete‐time Kalman filter is employed to fuse vision‐based navigation data with noisy system dynamics. For spacecraft position and attitude control, an SDRE controller is implemented, and the on–off behavior of cold gas thrusters is modeled using PWPF modulators. To reduce fuel consumption and enhance agility, a multiobjective genetic algorithm is used to optimize the SDRE gains as well as the PWPF parameters. Simulation results demonstrate that this approach not only improves docking accuracy but also reduces impact velocity and increases robustness to uncertainties, indicating its potential for autonomous docking missions.
DOI: 10.1155/ijae/6523148
Authors: Pourya Shokrolahi, Hojat Taei
Institutions: Tarbiat Modares University, University of Isfahan
Language: English
Subfield: Aerospace Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,570
OpenAlex ID: W7171419105