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 manoeuvres 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.

Autonomous Spacecraft Robotics is an engineering design project at Carleton University that is comprised of a team of 4th-year students. Our mission is to experimentally demonstrate a vision-based robotic capture and berthing maneuver of an uncooperative target platform equipped with a launch adapter ring. Our goal is to successfully demonstrate this maneuver on Carleton’s Spacecraft Proximity Operations Testbed.

All the funds will go towards purchasing the necessary equipment to ensure a successful completion of the project.

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 improve accuracy to reduce the risk of damage to spacecraft, while also helping safely remove space debris, contributing to preserving the space environment. Additionally, spacecraft capable of capturing and stabilizing orbital objects are essential for mitigating the growing threat of space debris, which poses significant risks to operational satellites and future missions. This opens the door to many possibilities for future space missions and would contribute greatly to innovation within the space industry.