Abstract: In general, autonomous rendezvous and docking requires that two spacecraft start at a remote distance (i.e., out of sight of each other), come together into a common orbit, rendezvous, dock, and control the new combined spacecraft in both orbit and attitude....
Abstract: Interest in studying the possibility of extraterrestrial life has led to the re-emergence of the Red Planet as a major target of planetary exploration. Currently proposed missions in the post-2000 period are routinely calling for rendezvous with ascent...
Abstract: This paper describes the operation of the Microcosm Autonomous Navigation System (MANS) which was launched as an Air Force Phillips Laboratory Technology for Autonomous Operational Survivability -(TAOS) experimental payload on March 13, 1994. MANS determines...