Patent ID: 6285395
Filing Date: 2001-09-04
Classification: B64G,G01C,G01S

Abstract:
An earth sensor for a satellite, said sensor comprising:a first camera mounted on the satellite for viewing a first scene and a second scene including an image of the earth against a background of space, said first camera generating video data,an image processor for processing the video data from said first camera to develop output pixel data containing pitch, roll and yaw information representing movement of the earth from said first and second scenes, said yaw information derived from the image of the earth, andwherein said image processor comprises:storage means for storing video data from said first camera representing said first scene, andan optical correlator for comparing video data representing the first and second scene, to detect movement of the earth relative to the first camera and to provide said output pixel data defining the distance and direction of said movement, which said optical correlator rejects the background of space as viewed by said first camera.