A six-feature, all-sky star field identification algorithm has been developed for autonomous navigation. The minimum identifiable star pattern element consists of an ordered star triplet defined by three stars and their celestial coordinates (right ascension and declination). The star field identification algorithm was integrated with the CCD-based star tracker and tested at the Table Mountain Observatory. Real-time star field identification is reported with a CCD-based imaging camera interfaced to SPARC II workstation.
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