KMITL Expo 2026 LogoKMITL 66th Anniversary Logo

Vision-Based Spacecraft Pose Estimation

Vision-Based Spacecraft Pose Estimation

Abstract

The capture of a target spacecraft by a chaser is an on-orbit docking operation that requires an accurate, reliable, and robust object recognition algorithm. Vision-based guided spacecraft relative motion during close-proximity maneuvers has been consecutively applied using dynamic modeling as a spacecraft on-orbit service system. This research constructs a vision-based pose estimation model that performs image processing via a deep convolutional neural network. The pose estimation model was constructed by repurposing a modified pretrained GoogLeNet model with the available Unreal Engine 4 rendered dataset of the Soyuz spacecraft. In the implementation, the convolutional neural network learns from the data samples to create correlations between the images and the spacecraft’s six degrees-of-freedom parameters. The experiment has compared an exponential-based loss function and a weighted Euclidean-based loss function. Using the weighted Euclidean-based loss function, the implemented pose estimation model achieved moderately high performance with a position accuracy of 92.53 percent and an error of 1.2 m. The in-attitude prediction accuracy can reach 87.93 percent, and the errors in the three Euler angles do not exceed 7.6 degrees. This research can contribute to spacecraft detection and tracking problems. Although the finished vision-based model is specific to the environment of synthetic dataset, the model could be trained further to address actual docking operations in the future.

Objective

In one, docking is defined as “when one incoming spacecraft rendezvous with another spacecraft and flies a controlled collision trajectory in such a manner to align and mesh the interface mechanisms”, and defined docking as an on-orbital service to connect two free-flying man-made space objects. The service should be supported by an accurate, reliable, and robust positioning and orientation (pose) estimation system. Therefore, pose estimation is an essential process in an on-orbit spacecraft docking operation. The position estimation can be obtained by the most well-known cooperative measurement, a Global Positioning System (GPS), while the spacecraft attitude can be measured by an installed Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). However, these methods are not applicable to non-cooperative targets. Many studies and missions have been performed by focusing on mutually cooperative satellites. However, the demand for non-cooperative satellites may increase in the future. Therefore, determining the attitude of non-cooperative spacecrafts is a challenging technological research problem that can improve spacecraft docking operations. One traditional method, which is based on spacecraft control principles, is to estimate the position and attitude of a spacecraft using the equations of motion, which are a function of time. However, the prediction using a spacecraft equation of motion needs support from the sensor fusion to achieve the highest accuracy of the state estimation algorithm. For non-cooperative spacecraft, a vision-based pose estimator is currently developing for space application with a faster and more powerful computational resource.

Other Innovations

The study of the chemical and physical properties of chickpea burgers and hybrid burgers with chickpea and pork using the sous-vide cooking method.

คณะอุตสาหกรรมอาหาร

The study of the chemical and physical properties of chickpea burgers and hybrid burgers with chickpea and pork using the sous-vide cooking method.

The consumption of plant-based products has been gaining popularity as consumers become more health-conscious and aware of environmental impacts. The food industry has been developing meat analogs with properties similar to conventional meat. This study investigates the chemical and physical properties of chickpea-based meat analog burgers and hybrid burgers containing both chickpeas and pork, using the sous-vide cooking method. This technique helps maintain food quality in terms of texture, moisture retention, and nutritional value. The experiment examined various properties of both types of burgers, including cooking loss, water holding capacity, shear force, pH value, and color analysis. Additionally, sensory evaluation was conducted to assess taste, texture, and overall consumer preference. The findings will provide insights into the optimal sous-vide conditions for producing plant-based and hybrid burgers with desirable quality characteristics that meet the needs of health-conscious consumers. This study serves as a valuable guideline for the food industry in developing high-nutritional-value alternative protein products while reducing meat consumption. By incorporating plant-based ingredients, it helps minimize environmental impact and promotes sustainability in food production. The research is significant in both food science and the development of healthier, competitive food products for the future market.

Read more
A Comparison of The Performance of Machine Learning Methods on Time Series Data Using Lagged Time Intervals

คณะวิทยาศาสตร์

A Comparison of The Performance of Machine Learning Methods on Time Series Data Using Lagged Time Intervals

This special problem aims to compare the performance of machine learning methods in time series forecasting using lagged time periods as independent variables. The lagged periods are categorized into three groups: lagged by 10 units, lagged by 15 units, and lagged by 20 units. The study employs four machine learning methods: Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), and Support Vector Machine (SVM). The time series data simulated as independent variables diverse including characteristics: Random Walk data, Trending data, and Non-Linear data, with sample sizes of 100, 300, 500, and 700. The research methodology involves splitting the data into 90% for training and 10% for testing. Simulations and analysis are performed using the R programming language, with 1,000 iterations conducted. The results are evaluated based on the average mean squared error (AMSE) and the average mean absolute percentage error (AMAPE) are calculated to identify the best performing method. The research findings revealed that for Random Walk data, the best performing methods are Random Forest and Support Vector Machine. For Trend data, the best performing methods are Random Forest. For Non-Linear data, the best performing methods are Support Vector Machine. When tested with real-world data, the results show that for the Euro-to-Thai Baht exchange rate, the best methods are Random Forest and Support Vector Machine. For the S&P 500 Index in USD, the best performing methods are Random Forest. For the Bank of America Corp Index in USD, the best performing methods are Support Vector Machine.

Read more
Production of ready-to-use sugarcane bagasse for smoking used in meat

คณะอุตสาหกรรมอาหาร

Production of ready-to-use sugarcane bagasse for smoking used in meat

The researcher aims to develop bagasse mixed with molasses as a smoking material for meat, enhancing its unique aroma and flavor. This innovation caters to the food industry and consumer demand while adding value to sugar mill byproducts, reducing waste, and promoting efficient resource utilization.

Read more