SERPENT A Chaser (Satellite Evaluation of Relative Pose Estimation of a Noncooperative Target)

Develop an autonomous pose estimation and prediction algorithm through the use of neural networks and computer vision.

Mission will consist of two 6U CubeSats in low Earth orbit. The chaser will run the neural network on an FPGA-based hardware system and will identify the pose of the target satellite in three stages of cooperativeness.

The first phase of the mission involves the use of LED lights positioned on the target in order to simulate a fully cooperative target.

The second phase of the mission will have the LED lights turned off, simulating a neutral, semi-non-cooperative target.

The final phase of the mission consists of the target, with LEDs turned off, performing proximity maneuvers near the chaser, of which the chaser will have no knowledge.