A Computing Unit for Autonomous Spacecraft Guidance in Deep Space

Introduction

The “space revolution” is expected to become the biggest industry in history. During the last decades, space exploration has contributed to the development of various technologies (e.g., GPS, weather predictions, solar cells, reliable power grid, Earth observation services) that fed back into the economy and improved our lives.

Current State of the Space Economy

In 2020, the global space economy was valued at about $446.9 billion. With the advent of deep-space CubeSats, nanosatellites that disrupted this industry, space agencies are planning to launch tens of CubeSats in deep space per single launch.

Challenges in Deep-Space Exploration

The number of deep-space probes is bound to thrive, yet their growth is unsustainable with current practices. Human-in-the-loop operations are particularly relevant for flight-related procedures in the cruise phase: the spacecraft position is determined from the ground, with a consistent involvement of resources and assets.

It is acknowledged that sustainable deep-space exploration requires enabling self-driving spacecraft.

Project Overview

The GUIDO project forges an autonomous guidance board to enable the self-driving capability of spacecraft in the solar system. The project stems from the ERC-funded project EXTREMA (ERC-CoG-2019).

GUIDO aims to elevate the convex-optimization-based guidance algorithms conceived within EXTREMA to a proof-of-concept board at TRL 4.

Innovation and Impact

Our autonomous guidance board, GUIDOboard, is a disruptive innovation that will change the modus operandi of deep-space satellite operation. GUIDO will revolutionize the way spacecraft travel in space by:

1. Cutting the cost of ground control during the entire cruise phase.
2. Unlocking new space mission concepts.

Pathway and Interest

The project follows a suitably devised pathway to cover technical validation activities and assessment of exploitation opportunities. GUIDO has raised the interest of leading sectoral players and space agencies, as witnessed by the letters of interest attached.