Stellar Field Cross-Identification Algorithm

The article is dedicated to the development of a fundamental algorithm for cross-identifying a star field for determination the primary orientation of a satellite without any a priori information about its position. The paper thoroughly examines the method of star identification based on angular distances and angles between neighboring stars, known as the “flower” method, and the algorithm for determining the angular position of the spacecraft. The conducted tests demonstrate the effectiveness of the method under various imaging conditions that affect the brightness and quantity of stars in the field of view, as well as in the presence of false peaks in the frame.