Autonomous target tracking of small bodies during flybys

Abstract

Spacecraft flybys of small solar system bodies provide important science return in the form of images of the target body taken around closest approach. In order to maximize the number of images taken of the target, an autonomous closed-loop tracking system has been developed to maintain lock on the target during the flyby. The system uses images to estimate the spacecrafts target-relative position and attitude, which is then used to point the camera. The system has been successfully used twice: the Deep Space 1 flyby of comet Borrelly and the Stardust flyby of asteroid Annefrank. This paper describes in detail the tracking algorithms and flight results.