Model-based spacecraft pose estimation and motion prediction using a photonic mixer device camera

Determination of relative distances and orientations, as well as motion identification is essential in rendezvous and docking and formation flying tasks. A 3D-image generated by a PMD (photonic mixer device) camera, which employs a phase shift measurement of emitted modulated light to derive distance and color information on each pixel, provides in this contribution the basis for near range motion detection and prediction. A novel algorithm based on rotation- and scale-invariant features commonly used for scan matching in high-resolution images is presented. The performance of the PMD camera and of the proposed data processing is characterized in scenarios, considering factors like relative velocities, rotation dynamics, illumination and optical properties of target surface materials, which are major effects for disturbances in this context.