Rendezvous and proximity operations sensor candidates

As part of an ESA study, RVD and proximity operations on autonomous smart sensors for guidance between spacecraft are discussed. Measurement parameters for the sensors include range, range resolution, and range rate between 20 km and 0.1 m, and angular and lateral relative position between 20 km and 0.1 m. Sensors examined include a PRN Ku-band microwave range and attitude sensor, a CW laser diode range and attitude sensor, and a solid state smart camera for near field guidance. The study suggests that autonomous spacecraft docking is realistic to the extent that pin-to-pin connections/alignment can be warranted, and provided that the expected lateral offset of the docking/matching items to the sensor view area is sufficiently precise.