Satellites having autonomously deployable solar arrays are disclosed. A disclosed example satellite includes a solar array, a sensor to detect that the satellite has exited a launch vehicle, a processor to, based on the satellite exiting the launch vehicle, enable release of magnets or locks of an array, a release controller to control the release of the magnets or the locks of the array based on a release sequence to autonomously deploy the solar array, and a sequence analyzer to adapt the release sequence during execution of the release sequence, wherein adapting the release sequence includes changing an order in which the magnets or the locks of the array are released based on a degree to which the solar array is unfolded.

A method of navigating from a known initial position at a known initial time to a new position at a predetermined delta time of an observer, the method comprising the steps of determining a number of virtual celestial objects for a desired degree of accuracy, generating orbital data for each of the VCOs, receiving at the initial time plus the delta time a parameter from a sensor that provides at least one parameter of the motion of the observer from the prior position, retrieving the orbital data previously generated for the initial time plus the delta time, calculating the new position to within the desired degree of accuracy using the initial position, the parameter, and the VCO orbital data, and, optionally, correcting the inertial navigation system position by using the calculated new position. The method is iteratively repeated as the observer moves.

A method of navigating from a known initial position at a known initial time to a new position at a predetermined delta time of an observer, the method comprising the steps of determining a number of virtual celestial objects for a desired degree of accuracy, generating orbital data for each of the VCOs, receiving at the initial time plus the delta time a parameter from a sensor that provides at least one parameter of the motion of the observer from the prior position, retrieving the orbital data previously generated for the initial time plus the delta time, calculating the new position to within the desired degree of accuracy using the initial position, the parameter, and the VCO orbital data, and, optionally, correcting the inertial navigation system position by using the calculated new position. The method is iteratively repeated as the observer moves.

The invention relates to a daytime and nighttime stellar sensor (1), comprising: at least one video camera (2) suitable for taking images of stars (3) in the sky; and a control unit (4), characterized in that it furthermore comprises: a polarizer (5), the control unit (4) being configured: to obtain an estimation of a direction of polarization of the polarized light received from the sky by the video camera (2); and to control the orientation of the polarizer (5) so that said polarizer (5) filters polarized light from the sky directed toward the video camera (2) and having said polarization direction.

A method for three-dimensional (3D) coverage mapping of a coverage area of a cell site using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) includes causing the UAV to fly about the coverage area at one or more elevations; causing the UAV to take measurements of wireless performance during flight about the coverage area; and utilizing the measurements to derive a 3D coverage map of the coverage area.

An optical system for restoring a natural image combined with a digital image, in order to characterise and highlight the objects represented on the natural image. The optical system includes an objective lens, an eyepiece, a semi-reflective plate, a processing unit, capturing capabilities and restoring capabilities. Other embodiments relate to a method for producing such a digital image.

An optical system for restoring a natural image combined with a digital image, in order to characterise and highlight the objects represented on the natural image. The optical system includes an objective lens, an eyepiece, a semi-reflective plate, a processing unit, capturing capabilities and restoring capabilities. Other embodiments relate to a method for producing such a digital image.

A device for positioning a functional trihedron of a star tracker in a reference trihedron tied to a structure on which the star tracker is mounted comprises: a fixing interface to connect the device to the star tracker, a set of geometric markers configured to, by means of an optical measurement instrument tied to the structure, position a marker tied to the device in the reference marker tied to the structure, an optical simulator comprising a set of optical markers to be measured by the star tracker, making it possible to position the functional trihedron of the star tracker in the trihedron tied to the device, the measurements of position of the functional trihedron in the trihedron tied to the device, and of position of the trihedron tied to the device in the reference trihedron, making it possible to position by calculation the functional trihedron in the reference trihedron.

An approach is provided for generating trace data corresponding to one or more mobile devices detected within a premises, where the trace data specifies movement of the mobile device(s) within the premises. A map customizing platform utilizes the user traces to determine accessibility information about areas within the premises using connecting elements of the premises.

One embodiment is directed towards a method of navigating a body. The method includes determining a respective measured direction of each of a plurality of celestial objects with respect to the body based on an output of one or more star tracking sensors mounted to the body. Calculating an expected direction of at least one of the plurality of celestial objects with respect to the body based on a current navigation solution for the body. Calculating an updated navigation solution for the body based on the expected direction of the at least one celestial object, the measured direction of the plurality of celestial objects, and an output of one or more inertial sensors mounted to the body.