Method for measuring the stability of a line of sight and corresponding star sensor

摘要

#CMT# #/CMT# The method involves capturing a first set of star images (14) using a capturing head (6) of a star sensor (4) at frequency in a successive manner, where the sensor comprises another capturing head (5) for capturing a second set of star images (10) at another frequency that is lower than the former frequency. Information relative to angular displacement of a line of sight is deducted from relative displacement of a star in the two sets of the images, where the former frequency is higher than 30 Hertz. #CMT# : #/CMT# Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for measuring mechanical vibrations of a device (2) a method for processing images (3) a method for controlling an attitude of a satellite (4) a satellite. #CMT#USE : #/CMT# Method for measuring stability of a line of sight of a device such as radar or remote-sensing laser type deduction device and imaging device used for imaging Earth, in a satellite (all claimed) i.e. observation satellite. #CMT#ADVANTAGE : #/CMT# The method enables measuring stability of the line of sight in an accurate and inexpensive manner. The method enables reducing mass and consumption of the satellite. The method enables simplifying an image processing architecture embarked at the satellite. The method enables reducing the number of different sensors in the satellite, and avoiding disturbances related to microvibrations. The method enables measurements at higher frequencies to increase the bandwidth of satellite attitude control. #CMT#DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS : #/CMT# The drawing shows a schematic view of a star sensor. 4 : Star sensor 5, 6 : Capturing heads 10, 14 : Star images 11 : Star catalog 20 : Image processing unit.