Review of space relative navigation based on angles-only measurements

Relative navigation is a key enabling technology for space missions such as on-orbit servicing and space situational awareness.Given that there are several special advantages of space relative navigation using angles-only measurements from passive optical sensors,angles-only relative navigation is considered as one of the best potential approaches in the field of space relative navigation.However,angles-only relative navigation is well-known for its range observability problem.To overcome this observability problem,many studies have been conducted over the past decades.In this study,we present a comprehensive review of state-of-the-art space relative navigation based on angles-only measurements.The emphasis is on the observability problem and solutions to angles-only relative navigation,where the review of the solutions is categorized into four classes based on the intrinsic principle:complicated dynamics approach,multi-line of sight(multi-LOS)approach,sensor offset center-of-mass approach,and orbit maneuver approach.Then,the fight demonstration results of angles-only relative navigation in the two projects are briefly reviewed.Finally,conclusions of this study and recommendations for further research are presented.