Feature Matching Navigation Techniques for Lidar-Based Planetary Exploration

When landing on planetary bodies it is desired to determine accurately the velocity and the position of the spacecraft relative to a selected target position on the surface of the body. This paper responds to that requirement by proposing Lidar-based advanced navigation techniques based on feature matching. Some of the techniques proposed are inspired from conventional 2D and 1D correlation techniques while others are taking advantage of technologies already validated in space and known as star constellation matching algorithms. After presenting the concepts of each algorithm, a realistic validation scenario based on a Mars landing reference mission is presented with comprehensive simulation results. At the end, analyses of the advantages and drawbacks are presented.

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