• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• 제35권4호
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• pp.263-277
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• 2018

This paper presents a vision-based relative pose estimation algorithm and its validation through both numerical and hardware experiments. The algorithm and the hardware system were simultaneously designed considering actual experimental conditions. Two estimation techniques were utilized to estimate relative pose; one was a nonlinear least square method for initial estimation, and the other was an extended Kalman Filter for subsequent on-line estimation. A measurement model of the vision sensor and equations of motion including nonlinear perturbations were utilized in the estimation process. Numerical simulations were performed and analyzed for both the autonomous docking and formation flying scenarios. A configuration of LED-based beacons was designed to avoid measurement singularity, and its structural information was implemented in the estimation algorithm. The proposed algorithm was verified again in the experimental environment by using the Autonomous Spacecraft Test Environment for Rendezvous In proXimity (ASTERIX) facility. Additionally, a laser distance meter was added to the estimation algorithm to improve the relative position estimation accuracy. Throughout this study, the performance required for autonomous docking could be presented by confirming the change in estimation accuracy with respect to the level of measurement error. In addition, hardware experiments confirmed the effectiveness of the suggested algorithm and its applicability to actual tasks in the real world.

• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• 제30권1호
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• pp.17-24
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• 2013

The use of generating functions for solving optimal rendezvous problems has an advantage in the sense that it does not require one to guess and iterate the initial costate. This paper presents how to apply generating functions to analyze spacecraft optimal reconfiguration between projected circular orbits. The series-based solution obtained by using generating functions demonstrates excellent convergence and approximation to the nonlinear reference solution obtained from a numerical shooting method. These favorable properties are expected to hold for analyzing optimal formation reconfiguration under perturbations and non-circular reference orbits.

• 천문학회보
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• 제46권2호
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• pp.59.2-59.2
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• 2021

On March 6 2021, Apophis made a close approach to the Earth with a minimum distance of 0.11 AU when the apparent magnitude reached up to V~16. This was the most favorable condition to observe this asteroid until its 2029 encounter. The observations during this apparition were extremely important to determine major physical properties, such as size, rotational state, 3D shape model, surface mineral properties. So, we organized the observation campaign during the 2021 apparition. The main goals of our campaign are to refine the spin state and 3D shape model and check the surface composition variations. The campaign involved dozens of countries and included ground-based photometry and spectroscopy, and spacecraft observations. Our timely observation campaign will provide essential data in planning the operation scenario for the space mission. In this presentation, we will report the preliminary result of the Apophis observation campaign during the 2021 apparition.

• 천문학회보
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• 제40권2호
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• pp.45.1-45.1
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• 2015

Hayabusa is the JAXA's space mission that succeeded in sample-return from S-type asteroid (25143) Itokawa. During the rendezvous phase, more than a thousand of images were taken with the Asteroid Multi-band Imaging Camera (AMICA). It is valuable to study the regional variation of the optical properties on the asteroid using these images to know the generality and uniqueness of the returned samples. In addition, AMICA images are important in that they provide unique data set at low phase angle (i.e Sun-Itokawa-AMICA's angle) that have not been explored in the previous asteroidal missions. At the previous conference (2015 KAS spring meeting), we introduced our preliminary data analysis of AMICA data without considering the shape model of Itokawa and mentioned. In this study, we present a new result obtained through further analysis, taking account of the shape model of the asteroid. We thus utilized "plate_renderer" tool to derive Hapke model parameters at different terrains. It is found that the opposition amplitude (parameter B0) is consistent with those of the other S-type asteroids while the opposition width (parameter h) is significantly narrower than those of the other S-type asteroids. At this conference, we plan to describe the regional variation of photometric properties on Itokawa.

• 천문학논총
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• 제38권2호
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• pp.25-36
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• 2023

Since interstellar objects like 1I/'Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov originate from exoplanetary systems, even if we do not visit the exoplanetary systems, flyby, rendezvous, and sample return missions of interstellar objects can provide clues to solve the mysteries of cosmic life phenomena such as the origin of exoplanetary systems, galactic evolution, biosignatures (or even technosignatures), and panspermia. In this paper, we review space missions for interstellar object exploration in the stage of mission design or concept study such as Project Lyra, Bridge, Comet Interceptors, and Lightcraft^TM. We also review space missions, OSIRIS-REx and NEA Scout, designed for Near Earth Asteroids(NEA) explorations, to investigate the current state of basic technologies that can be extended to explore interstellar objects in a velocity of ~ 6AU/year. One of the technologies that needs to be developed for interstellar object exploration is a spacecraft propulsion method such as solar sail, which can catch up with the fast speed of interstellar objects. If this kind of propulsion becomes practical for space explorations, interstellar object explorations will mark a new era and serve as a driving force to provide evidences of cosmic life.

• 천문학회보
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• 제46권2호
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• pp.57.4-58
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• 2021

Asteroids have undergone various processes such as impacts, space weathering, and thermal evolution. Because they expose their surfaces to space without atmosphere, these evolutional processes have been recorded directly on their surfaces. The remote-sensing observations have been conducted to reveal these evolutional histories of the target asteroids. For example, crater and boulder distributions are unambiguous evidence for past nondestructive impacts with other celestial bodies. Multiband and spectroscopic observations have revealed space-weathering history (as well as compositions). Whereas most physical quantities have been examined intensively using spacecraft and telescopes, only a little has been studied on "the grain size". It is one of the fundamental physical quantities for diagnosing the collisional and thermal history of asteroids. Our group has conducted polarimetric research of asteroids (as well as Moon [1]) to determine the particle size and further investigate the evolutional histories of target asteroids [2],[3]. For example, the existence of regolith on an S-type asteroid, Toutatis, was suggested almost twenty years before space exploration [4]. Moreover, we reported that near-Sun asteroids indicate a signature of submillimeter grains, which could be created by a thermal sintering process by solar radiation [5]. However, it is important to note that in-situ polarimetry has not been reported on the asteroid surface, although the Korean Lunar Exploration Program aims to do polarimetry on the lunar surface [6]. Therefore, it is expected that the polarizer mounted on the Korean Apophis spacecraft can make the first estimate of the grain size and its regional variation over the Apophis surface. In this presentation, we outline research of S-type asteroid surfaces through remote-sensing observations and consider the role of polarimetry. Based on this review, we consider the purpose, potentiality, and strategy of the polarimetry using the onboard device for the Apophis spacecraft. We will report a possible polarization phase curve of Apophis estimated from ordinary chondrites and past observational data of S-type asteroids, taking account of the space weathering effect. Based on this estimation, we will consider the strategy of how to determine the particle size (and space weathering degree) of the Apophis surface. We will also mention the detectability of dust hovering on the surface.

• 한국항공우주학회지
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• 제46권3호
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• pp.219-229
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• 2018

본 논문에서는 복수 Position Sensitive Detector(PSD) 센서와 IR Beacon Module(적외선 비콘 모듈)을 이용하여 우주비행체의 랑데부/도킹/군집 운용과 같은 근접 운용을 위한 칼만 필터 기반의 상대항법 알고리즘 연구를 수행한다. PSD 센서와 적외선 비콘 모듈은 각각 Target Satellite과 Chaser Satellite에 장착되어 위성의 상대 위치와 상대 자세 정보를 획득하여 위성간 근접운용에 사용한다. 각각의 상대 항법 기법의 성능을 비교 분석하기 위하여 수치 시뮬레이션을 수행한다. 상대항법 알고리즘에 사용된 PSD 센서와 적외선 비콘 모듈의 광학적 모델링과 작동 원리를 기반으로 칼만필터의 측정 모델을 구성한다. 확장 칼만 필터(EKF)와 무향 칼만 필터(UKF)는 우주비행체의 병진 운동 및 회전 운동에 대한 운동학 및 동역학적 특성을 활용하는 측정 융합에 기반을 둔 확률론적 상대항법 기법으로 사용된다. EKF와 UKF, 두 필터의 상대 자세 및 상대 위치 추정 성능을 비교한다. Target Satellite과 Chaser Satellite에 장착되는 PSD 센서와 적외선 비콘 모듈의 개수와 상대항법기법의 변화에 따른 수치 시뮬레이션을 수행하여 성능 변화를 확인하였다.