Online Archive of University of Virginia Scholarship
Compact Pointing Instrument with Internal Star Camera, Plate Solver, and Inertial Measurement Unit4 views
Author
Rios, Zachary, Astronomy, University of Virginia
Advisors
Johnson, Bradley, Astronomy, University of Virginia
Abstract
This work presents the design of a compact pointing instrument integrating a star camera with plate solving, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), and a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver for instantaneous determination of position and orientation. This is performed by computing Euler angles given measured angular velocity, acceleration, and magnetic field with an IMU, and combining such with precise location and UTC time synchronization given by the GPS. An attached star camera with a built-in plate solver independently determines celestial coordinates for validation.
Performance is evaluated using stationary and controlled motion trials. Stationary results show stable Euler angles, near-zero angular velocity bias, and correctly normalized gravitational and magnetic field vectors. Dynamic trials confirm accurate capture and detection of rotational motion with consistent time synchronization across all sensors, while preserving vector normalization.
The results discussed demonstrate reliable attitude and pointing determination suitable for future ground based and airborne astronomical applications.
Degree
BS (Bachelor of Science)
Keywords
Pointing; IMU; GPS; Star Camera; Attitude; Plate Solving
Language
English
Rights
All rights reserved by the author (no additional license for public reuse)
Rios, Zachary. Compact Pointing Instrument with Internal Star Camera, Plate Solver, and Inertial Measurement Unit. University of Virginia, Astronomy, BS (Bachelor of Science), 2026-05-09, https://doi.org/10.18130/63ce-0e67.
