Integration of a Tracking Laser Range Camera with the Photogrammetry based Space Vision System

This paper presents the most up-to date experimental results obtained during the integration of a 3-D Laser Scanner Tracking System and the current Space Vision System used by NASA. Half scale models of modules of the Space Station Freedom have been built for this demonstration and comparison between the current method using video cameras and the Laser Scanner System are presented. The variable resolution laser scanner can track, in real time, targets and geometrical features of an object. The Laser Scanner System uses two high-speed galvanometers and a collimated laser beam to address individual targets on the object. Very high-resolution images and excellent tracking accuracy are obtained using Lissajous figures that provide high pointing accuracy of a laser beam. The prototype automatically searches and tracks, in 3-D, targets attached to the object. The locations of the centroid of the detected targets are fed directly into the existing photosolution and attitude control modules of the Space Vision System (SVS).