Vision in space, based on the advanced stellar compass

A wide variety of Space-missions could benefit from advanced onboard image-analysis. With missions to other planets or asteroids as good examples (genotypes). With reference to the Oersted Advanced Stellar Compass, this paper describes possible onboard imageanalysis tasks. As the instrument tracks ALL stars in the field of view, a variety of applications not normally associated with conventional star trackers are enabled. The diversity of the advanced applications are vast, as depicted by the topics adressed, namely: 1) Detection and Tracking of distant non-stellar objects (e.g. meteors). 2) Delta-V correction, for encounter phases. 3) Tracking of selected Objects (e.g. guidance for other instruments). 4) Mass Estimation via pellet ejection. 5) Complex Object surface tracking (e.g. space docking, planetary terrain tracking). All the above topics, has been realized in the past. Either by open loop, or by man-in-loop systems. By implementing these methods or function in the onboard autonomy, a superior system performance could be acheived by means of the minimal loop delay. But also reduced operations cost should be expected. Examples of actual performance data are given.