The Planetary Science Journal (Jan 2023)

Stereophotoclinometry for OSIRIS-REx Spacecraft Navigation

  • Coralie D. Adam,
  • Leilah K. McCarthy,
  • Jason M. Leonard,
  • Robert Gaskell,
  • Peter G. Antreasian,
  • Andrew J. Liounis,
  • Kenneth Getzandanner,
  • Michael C. Moreau,
  • Eric E. Palmer,
  • John Weirich,
  • Olivier S. Barnouin,
  • Jeroen L. Geeraert,
  • Eric M. Sahr,
  • Benjamin Ashman,
  • Derek S. Nelson,
  • John Y. Pelgrift,
  • Erik J. Lessac-Chenen,
  • Daniel Wibben,
  • Bobby G. Williams,
  • Michael G. Daly,
  • Dante S. Lauretta

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ace31d
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 4, no. 9
p. 167

Abstract

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We summarize a decade of effort by the Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security–Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission team to build up the unique capabilities, processes, and procedures required to accomplish the unprecedented navigation performance required during proximity operations at asteroid (101955) Bennu. Stereophotoclinometry was a key technology used for digital terrain model (DTM) generation and landmark navigation, enabling estimation of spacecraft trajectories and Bennu’s geophysical parameters. We outline the concept of operations for OSIRIS-REx landmark navigation and the wide array of testing and verification efforts leading up to OSIRIS-REx’s arrival at Bennu. We relate the outcome of these efforts to the experiences during proximity operations. We discuss navigation and DTM performance during operations, including detailed lessons learned to carry forward for future missions.

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