New on-orbit geometric interior parameters self-calibration approach based on three-view stereoscopic images from high-resolution multi-TDI-CCD optical satellites

To increase the field of view (FOV), combining multiple time-delayed and integrated charge-coupled devices (TDI-CCD) into the camera and the pushbroom imaging modality are traditionally used with high-resolution optical satellites. It is becoming increasingly labor- and cost-intensive to build and maintain a calibration field with high resolution and broad coverage. This paper introduces a simple and feasible on-orbit geometric self-calibration approach for high-resolution multi-TDI-CCD optical satellites based on three-view stereoscopic images. With the aid of the a priori geometric constraint of tie points in the triple-overlap regions of stereoscopic images, as well as tie points between adjacent single TDI-CCD images (STIs), high accuracy calibration of all TDI-CCD detectors can be achieved using a small number of absolute ground control points (GCPs) covering the selected primary STI. This method greatly reduces the demand on the calibration field and thus is more time-, effort- and cost-effective. Experimental results indicated that the proposed self-calibration approach is effective for increasing the relative internal accuracy without the limitations associated with using a traditional reference calibration field, which could have great significance for future super-high-resolution optical satellites.