Grimm, M: Untersuchungen zur Anwendung von Entfernungssensor

eine Kombination der Sensoren gemindert werden, um so eine mögliche Anwendung im Weltraum zu erlauben.


Today the use of selected electrical, electronic and electromechanical commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components in space applications is expanding. The main drive for using COTS in space is cost saving, but market non-availability, performance issues and a small form factor are further reasons to go for COTS. Small satellite missions in particular tend to apply COTS already more than others.

COTS parts usually do not meet the high reliability requirements for space applications. The lot-to-lot variations, the lack of traceability and the rapid obsolescence of such parts make qualification ineffective. Therefore, in this work a new approach to apply COTS for the use in space was developed and invesitigated on the example of distance measurement sensors.

Accurate distance information is important for satellite constellations and for rendezvous and docking maneuvers in space. Due to the advances in small satellite technology, missions involving multiple small satellites become more and more attractive. Maintaining an accurate distance in a close satellite formation can be crucial for system and safety issues. Furthermore, a cost effective distance measurement solution is particularly demanded for space debris removal, since the question of the financial responsibility is still unclear. Multiple cost effective distance measurement methods have already been proven reliable for distance measurements from far range down to about 30 m./This work investigates various COTS distance sensors for measurements below 30 m for use on small satellites. With a combination of different COTS distance sensors with distinct measurement principles it is intended to prove that a fusion of the measurements of different sensors can help to counteract the degradation of the individual sensors under space environmental conditions. Furthermore, this could enable to maintain the accuracy of the overall distance measurement and to open up a possibility to lower system costs and to enable the use of state of the art technology in space applications.