Fuzzy-Logic Based Selection of Surface Feature Observations for Small Body Proximity Operations

In this paper, we discuss the development of an autonomous system capable of maintaining surface feature references within sensor view by recommending spacecraft trajectory adjustments based on predefined criteria. The ability to localize with respect to terrain features is a necessary component for increasing the reliability of spacecraft position estimation during small body operations. The proposed algorithm uses the concept of fuzzy logic to maintain satisfaction of a number of feature selection criteria, which, when satisfied, allow consistent updating of feature observations. We provide details of the algorithm in this paper, and present results from integrating the algorithm into a small body descent simulator.