Alignment and Calibration of Optical and Inertial Sensors Using Stellar Observations

M. Veth and J. Raquet

Abstract:	Aircraft navigation information (position, velocity, and attitude) can be determined using optical measurements from an imaging sensor pointed toward the ground combined with an inertial navigation system. A critical factor governing the level of accuracy achievable in such a system is the alignment and calibration of the sensors. Currently, alignment accuracy is limited by machining and mounting tolerances for low-cost applications. In this paper, a novel alignment and calibration method is proposed which combines inertial and stellar observations using an extended Kalman filter algorithm. The approach is verified using simulation and experimental data, and conclusions regarding alignment accuracy versus sensor quality are drawn.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 18th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GNSS 2005) September 13 - 16, 2005 Long Beach Convention Center Long Beach, CA
Pages:	2494 - 2503
Cite this article:	Veth, M., Raquet, J., "Alignment and Calibration of Optical and Inertial Sensors Using Stellar Observations," Proceedings of the 18th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GNSS 2005), Long Beach, CA, September 2005, pp. 2494-2503.
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