iss058e007453 (1/29/2019) --- A camera assembly containing two cameras similar to that used by the Orion Optical Navigation System is shown in the cupola onboard the International Space Station (ISS). The Optical Navigation (Optical Nav) investigation is a technology demonstration used to validate the backup navigation system for the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle. Images of the Moon and adjacent star fields are being collected by these two cameras from the ISS cupola. The images are then analyzed on the ground using the same algorithms that will fly onboard Orion to determine vehicle position. These derived position measurements will be compared to the known position of the ISS at the moment each photo was taken. This will help validate the optical navigation performance using ISS as the test vehicle.
iss058e007453
Date January 29, 2019