Application of APS arrays to star and feature tracking systems

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Abstract
Reducing mass and power demands from engineering and science image sensors, while improving system capability, remains a driving force in the development of Sciencecraft components. The Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) is developing advanced concepts for future spacecraft celestial trackers by incorporating active pixel sensor (APS) array technology into star and feature tracker designs. We describe fundamental APS array properties and characteristics, and discuss recent progress in APS designs directly applicable to next generation trackers. A description of a new regional electronic shutter design providing extremely high dynamic range and local shuttering capability is given along with test results from a prototype device. A new star and feature tracker concept enabled by this regional shuttering capability is described.

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