Overview
As students majoring in various engineering disciplines, we are passionate about exploring the frontiers of technology and contributing to advancements in space exploration. This project mainly focuses on automatic rendezvous and docking maneuvers in space, improving precision and accuracy while reducing the risk of damage to the spacecraft by removing the need for human pilots. This project holds immense potential to advance space exploration and satellite servicing capabilities, contributing to the growth and sustainability of the space industry.
The Background
Autonomous Spacecraft Robotics is an engineering design project at Carleton University composed of a team of 4th-year students. Our final objective is to automate rendezvous and docking maneuvers of in-orbit spacecraft using state-of-the-art computer vision, path planning, and feedback control techniques. These techniques will be simulated using MATLAB Simulink and physically tested using SPOT (Spacecraft Proximity Operations Testbed).
The Rollout
All the funds will go towards purchasing necessary equipment to ensure a successful completion of the project.
The Impact
The Autonomous Spacecraft Robotics design project holds significant benefits regarding space exploration and utilization. Automating rendezvous and docking maneuvers will remove the general need for human pilots and will improve accuracy to reduce the risk of damage to spacecraft, while also helping safely remove space debris, contributing to preserving the space environment. Additionally, autonomous spacecraft with those abilities can also extend the quality and lifespan of operation satellites with on-orbit servicing, which will ultimately result in cost savings and more sustainable space operations. Finally, this project would facilitate in-space assembly, allowing large structures or spacecraft to be built from smaller modular components. This opens the door to many possibilities for future space missions and would contribute greatly to innovation within the space industry.