A survey on star identification algorithms (Q1662464)

Summary: The author surveys algorithms used in star identification, commonly used in star trackers to determine the attitude of a spacecraft. Star trackers are a staple of attitude determination systems for most types of satellites. The paper covers: (a) \textit{lost-in-space algorithms} (when no a priori attitude information is available), (b) \textit{recursive algorithms} (when some a priori attitude information is available), and (c) \textit{non-dimensional algorithms} (when the star tracker calibration is not well-known). The performance of selected algorithms and supporting algorithms are compared.