Relative Terrain Navigation Based Lunar Lander Simulator Using Computer Vision Techniques

Moon research is closely related to space exploration, with research stations being deployed on its surface for long-term. An essential element in this context is the provision of a soft landing system which is highly accurate and reliable. This paper aims to develop a relative terrain based navigation system using computer vision techniques to aid in accurate softlanding. High-quality surface images can now be obtained at all stages of landing using modern computer vision systems, and they can be processed in real-time. The viability of using computer vision techniques is demonstrated using a lunar lander simulator developed in-house.