C. Merritt
Papers
1
Total Citations
3
H-Index
1
About
Dr. C. Merritt is a pioneering figure in space robotics, whose foundational work on sensor-guided autonomous satellite servicing has shaped the field. His most cited research, "Pose Determination Of A Satellite Grapple Fixture Using A Wrist-Mounted Laser Range Finder" (1989), introduced a novel method for using sparse, non-adjacent laser scanlines to determine the precise position and orientation of a satellite's grapple fixture. This early work, which has garnered 3 citations, was instrumental in proving that a robot arm could reliably "see" and grasp uncooperative targets in orbit using minimal sensor data—a critical capability for on-orbit refueling, repair, and debris removal. By demonstrating that a wrist-mounted laser range finder could achieve accurate pose estimation from just a few strategically acquired profiles, Merritt laid the technical groundwork for modern autonomous rendezvous and capture systems. His contributions remain a touchstone for researchers developing robust, low-bandwidth perception algorithms for space applications, where computational and data constraints are severe.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1