METHOD OF CAPTURING IMAGES OF AN UNDERLYING SURFACE FROM AN ORBITAL SPACECRAFT Russian patent published in 2020 - IPC B64G1/32 

FIELD: astronautics.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to aerospace engineering. Method of linking images of an underlying surface from an orbital spacecraft (SC) involves orthorectification of the image and determination of the point from which the image was taken. Additionally, during the specified time interval, additional survey of the underlying surface is performed with successive sign changes of the angle between the normal to the orbital plane and the projection of the axis of view of the filming equipment on the plane, perpendicular to direction of flight of spacecraft, at moments of taking pictures. According to the orthorectified primary and additional at least two images, determining the geographical coordinates of the planet surface points corresponding to the specified points of the image, and determining sets of points, coordinates of which with given accuracy satisfy equations of determination of cone vertex, beams and axis of which pass through points of surface of planet corresponding to given points of image, and angle of solution is equal to angle of field of view of filming equipment. There is determined a combination of points, which include one point from certain sets of points, through which lines pass, making angles with each other, the sum of which is minimal. Bounding of the taken shots to the shooting execution points is performed by the points of the given combination, which are taken as the points from which the survey was performed.

EFFECT: high accuracy of referencing images of the underlying surface made from the SC to points of the survey.

1 cl, 2 dwg