Guidance Methods for Earth Observation Satellites

Abstract: The purpose of this study is on the one hand to test the current guidance algorithm for image acquisition by the CSO satellite, and on the other hand to compare it to alternative algorithms. The latter may oer improvements to guidance precision and image quality by reducing the amount of calculation steps. The algorithms were tested in a computer environment which simulates acquisition by the satellite for a large number of cases, ensuring reliability of the results. Testing showed that image quality remains largely unchanged when using the new algorithms. This shows that the current algorithm is well-suited for use in the satellite, and that the new algorithms may be used as alternatives.