A Sensor for Autonomous Navigation 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 (i.e., GPS, weather predictions, solar cells, reliable power grid, Earth observation services) that feedback into the economy and improve our lives.

Current 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. The number of deep-space probes is bound to thrive, yet their growth is unsustainable with current practices.

Challenges in Deep-Space Exploration

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 SENSE project forges an autonomous navigation sensor for the self-positioning of spacecraft in the solar system. The project stems from the ERC-funded project EXTREMA (ERC-CoG-2019). SENSE aims to elevate the celestial triangulation method conceived in EXTREMA to a proof-of-concept sensor at TRL 4.

Innovation and Impact

Our autonomous navigation sensor, nanoSENSE, is a disruptive innovation that will change the modus operandi for spacecraft navigation. SENSE 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. SENSE has raised the interest of leading sectoral players (see Letters of Interest).