@article{Lyzhoft2019, 
author = {Joshua Lyzhoft and Bong Wie},
title = {New image processing algorithm for terminal guidance of multiple kinetic-energy impactors for disrupting hazardous asteroids},
year = {2019},
journal = {Astrodynamics},
volume = {3},
number = {1},
pages = {45-59},
keywords = {asteroid intercept guidance and control, multiple kinetic-energy impactors, digital image processing, image thresholding, Otsu’s method, irregular-shaped asteroids},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.1007/s42064-018-0035-x},
doi = {10.1007/s42064-018-0035-x},
abstract = {This paper describes the preliminary study results of developing a hypervelocity terminal intercept guidance system of a multiple kinetic-energy impactor vehicle (MKIV). The proposed MKIV system is intended to fragment or pulverize an asteroid of smaller than approximately 150 m in diameter that is detected with a mission lead time of shorter than 10 years, without using nuclear explosive devices. This paper focuses on the development of a new image processing algorithm based on Otsu’s method for the coordinated terminal intercept guidance and control of multiple kinetic-energy impactors employing visual and/or infrared sensors. A scaled polyhedron shape model of asteroid (216) Kleopatra is used as a fictional target asteroid. GPU-based simulation results demonstrate the feasibility of impacting a small irregular-shaped asteroid by using the proposed new image processing algorithm and a classical pulsed TPN (true proportional navigation) terminal guidance law.}
}