Photogrammetry Of A 5m Inflatable Space Antenna With Consumer Digital Cameras

Photogrammetry of a 5m Inflatable Space Antenna with Consumer Digital Cameras

This paper discusses photogrammetric measurements of a 5m-diameter inflatable space antenna using four Kodak DC290 (2.1 megapixel) digital cameras. The study had two objectives: 1) Determine the photogrammetric measurement precision obtained using multiple consumer-grade digital cameras and 2) Gain experience with new commercial photogrammetry software packages, specifically PhotoModeler Pro from Eos Systems, Inc. The paper covers the eight steps required using this hardware/software combination. The baseline data set contained four images of the structure taken from various viewing directions. Each image came from a separate camera. This approach simulated the situation of using multiple time-synchronized cameras, which will be required in future tests of vibrating or deploying ultra-lightweight space structures. With four images, the average measurement precision for more than 500 points on the antenna surface was less than 0.020 inches inplane and approximately 0.050 inches out-of-plane.

Pathfinder Photogrammetry Research for Ultra-Lightweight and Inflatable Space Structures

Photogrammetry Methodology Development for Gossamer Spacecraft Structures