Video Guidance Sensor for automated capture

Technology of Automated Rendezvous and Capture in Space

“…On one end is a UHF transmitter and a Video Guidance Sensor (VGS) target. 32 These are utilized when the LOX-only element plays the role of a passive vehicle in the AR&C process. On the other end is a VGS, which is used in the terminal phase of AR&C when this LOX-only element is part of the active vehicle in the AR&C process.…”

“…MSFC's AR&C technology program first started in 1987, when they began developing AR&C technology for the OMV. 32 While the OMV was eventually cancelled, the AR&C technology program continued, because of the need for this technology on other programs like the CTV, the USCM, the RLV, the CRV, and the Mars missions. Principle products of it have been the the Flight Robotics Laboratory (FRL), the VGS, precise navigation algorithms for relative GPS, GN&C flight software algorithms, and the Three-Point Docking Mechanism (TPDM).…”

“…The VGS is an optical sensor that measures the range, bearing, and attitude of the chase vehicle relative to the target vehicle in the terminal phase of AR&C, out to about 100 meters. 32 This device was developed and patented by engineers at MSFC. It consists of a sensor head assembly on the chase vehicle and a target on the target vehicle.…”

“…The best choice for the optical sensor is the VGS, since it measures both relative position and relative attitude. 32 For LEO R&C applications like delivering unmanned reusable launch vehicles to the ISS and autonomously assembling vehicles for a manned mission to Mars, VGS power and mass are not critical parameters that need to be optimized. Also, for these applications, simplifying the target by avoiding the need to deliver power to it is highly desirable.…”