Satellite servicing docking system with Event-based cameras

Project Member(s): Vidal Calleja, T., Le Gentil, C.

Funding or Partner Organisation: Investment NSW (Space Research Network)
Investment NSW (Space Research Network)

Start year: 2023

Summary: Automated satellite docking is a prerequisite for most future on-orbit servicing missions. Whether it is refuelling, diagnostics, control recovery, de-orbiting or component replacement, the servicing spacecraft must dock to a client satellite before it can perform its mission. This project will focus on developing a novel guidance, navigation and control (GNC) system for docking two satellites in a semi-autonomous mode based on event-based cameras. The proposed event-based camera GNC system will enable low latency, low power consumption, minimum motion blur, high-dynamic range imagining, and the ability to compensate for unpredictable environmental factors in real-time and adjust the motion planning accordingly. The system designed under this project will become a foundation for future semi-autonomous systems in on-orbit servicing applications.

FOR Codes: Satellite technologies, networks and services, Field robotics, Satellite, space vehicle and missile design and testing

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.