2026-06-02T08:33:08Zhttps://riuma.uma.es/rest/oai/request

oai:riuma.uma.es:10630/396662026-02-03T12:32:02Zcom_10630_2254col_10630_37959

Fast vision in the dark: A case for single-photon imaging in planetary navigation. Rodríguez-Martínez, David Pérez-del-Pulgar-Mancebo, Carlos Jesús Sistemas de imágenes Sensores ópticos Vehículos espaciales Luna - Exploración Improving robotic navigation is critical for extending exploration range and enhancing operational efficiency. Vision-based navigation relying on traditional CCD or CMOS cameras faces major challenges when complex illumination conditions are paired with motion, limiting the range and accessibility of mobile planetary robots. In this study, we propose a novel approach to planetary navigation that leverages the unique imaging capabilities of Single-Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) cameras. We present the first comprehensive evaluation of single-photon imaging as an alternative passive sensing technology for robotic exploration missions targeting perceptually challenging locations, with a special emphasis on high-latitude lunar regions. We detail the operating principles and performance characteristics of SPAD cameras, assess their advantages and limitations in addressing key perception challenges of upcoming exploration missions to the Moon, and benchmark their performance under representative illumination conditions. 2025-08-28T07:11:14Z 2025-08-28T07:11:14Z 2025 conference output https://hdl.handle.net/10630/39666 eng 18th Symposium on Advanced Space Technologies in Robotics and Automation (ASTRA) Leiden, The Netherlands 7-9 October 2025 info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/MICIU%2FAEI%2F%2FFEDER%2FUE/PID2024-160373OB-C21/INSIGHT http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ open access Atribución 4.0 Internacional