Relative navigation is a key enabling technology for space missions such as on-orbit servicing and space situational awareness. Given that there are several special advantages of space relative navigation using angles-only measurements from passive optical sensors, angles-only relative navigation is considered as one of the best potential approaches in the field of space relative navigation. However, angles-only relative navigation is well-known for its range observability problem. To overcome this observability problem, many studies have been conducted over the past decades. In this study, we present a comprehensive review of state-of-the-art space relative navigation based on angles-only measurements. The emphasis is on the observability problem and solutions to angles-only relative navigation, where the review of the solutions is categorized into four classes based on the intrinsic principle: complicated dynamics approach, multi-line of sight (multi-LOS) approach, sensor offset center-of-mass approach, and orbit maneuver approach. Then, the flight demonstration results of angles-only relative navigation in the two projects are briefly reviewed. Finally, conclusions of this study and recommendations for further research are presented.
Publications
Article type
Year
Review Article
Issue
Astrodynamics 2023, 7(2): 131-152
Published: 23 November 2022
Downloads:197