Vision-based Distributed Pose Estimation using a Spacecraft Constellation

In this paper, we present a simulation framework and consensus algorithms to track the pose (position and attitude) of an uncooperative/defunct spacecraft (Target spacecraft) using a fleet of small spacecraft (Ego spacecraft) in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Since it is not possible to put traditional active sensors (like differential GPS, inter-satellite communication) on the uncooperative/ defunct Target spacecraft, the fleet of Ego spacecraft have to rely on cameras and inter-spacecraft communication among themselves to estimate the relative pose of the Target spacecraft.