A Fast Star Identification Algorithm of Star Sensors in the LIS Mode

Abstract

In the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) area, due to the influence of transient noise caused by space radiation, a star sensor can easily stay in the lost-in-space (LIS) mode for a long time. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a fast star identification (FSI) algorithm. First, a noise suppression method based on scale assessment and neighborhood comparison is developed. Next, a fast and accurate search technique of multiple main stars based on the k-vector technique is used to realize star identification. The search technique builds a self-defined attribute database of stars, and a fast search method of a repeated star identity is proposed to realize the positioning of the main star. Lastly, the final main stars are obtained through the comparison of field of view and verification of angular distance. The experimental results showed that when the star sensor works at a speed of 0.1°/s and the level of transient noise signals is lower than 900, the successful identification rate is higher than 70%. In addition, compared with the triangle algorithm, match group algorithm, and multi-pole algorithm (MPA), the proposed FSI algorithm has the advantages of a higher successful identification rate and a faster execution speed.