Precision Landing of a Drone by Smartphone Video Guidance Sensor

The Smartphone Video Guidance Sensor (SVGS), developed by NASA's Marshall Space Center, presents significant advancements in the high-altitude precision landing capabilities of autonomous drones. This innovative technology operates by recognizing light targets, enabling the sensor to accurately estimate its spatial position. An onboard computer processes this data to define an optimal trajectory, allowing the drone to land near a designated target with high accuracy. SVGS demonstrates performance levels that can be favorably compared to already established technologies such as infrared and LiDAR sensors. Its versatility positions it as a formidable competitor in various applications beyond precision landings, such as navigation and space docking. This thesis will explore several critical aspects of implementing an SVGS-guided drone. Key components and software necessary for this type of flight will be examined, alongside their roles and the rationale behind their selection. The significance of additive manufacturing, particularly through fused deposition modeling (FDM), will be discussed in the context of designing and replacing specific drone parts. Emphasis will also be placed on the maintenance practices and essential pre-flight checks required for optimal flight performance. Finally, the standard landing routine will be described, and flight results obtained using SVGS will be compared with those from infrared and LiDAR technologies, highlighting the advantages of this cutting-edge system.