AUTONOMOUS COLLISION AVOIDANCE FOR MULTI-SPACECRAFT SYSTEMS
Starting Date: November 2021
Head of Research Group: Prof. Roger Förstner (UniBwM)
Coordinator: Maren Hülsmann, MSc. (UniBwM)
Stakeholders:
- UniBwM (Institute of Space Technology and Space Applications (ISTA))
- DLR (Institute for Space Operations and Astronaut Training, Space Situational Awareness (SSA))
Abstract: Collision avoidance is not only immensely important for a single satellite but becomes more complex the more satellites are involved in a mission. Missions in which a large number of satellites fly in formation in close proximity to each other, or so-called mega-constellations with thousands of satellites in multiple orbits, are becoming increasingly popular, so that low-Earth orbits will be more densely occupied and collisions will become unavoidable in the future. The space environment and necessary collision avoidance manoeuvres are monitored and controlled by satellite operations centres on ground. Autonomous formation flight and collision avoidance within a satellite formation as well as with space debris guarantee to ensure the safety and usability of the resource space in the long term. Within the framework of the research group, methods for collision avoidance, formation control and fault management of multi-spacecraft-systems are being developed based on artificial intelligence. All-encompassing autonomy, internal optimal decision-making processes and safety strategies are a core research area for safe, autonomous flight in multi-spacecraft-systems.
RE-ENTRY OPTIMISATION TO MINIMISE HEATING OR INFRARED SIGNATURE
Funding Period: October 2016 – May 2021
Head of Research Group: Prof. Christian Mundt (UniBwM)
Stakeholders:
- UniBwM (Chair for Aerothermodynamics, Chair for Mathematical Engineering)
- TUM (Institute of Flight System Dynamics)
- DLR (Space Operations and Astronaut Training, Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics)
SPACE DEBRIS – DETECTION, AVOIDANCE, REMOVAL
Funding Period: January 2012 – June 2017 as part of the Helmholtz Alliance project DLR@Uni
Head of Research Group: Dr. Hauke Fiedler (DLR)
Stakeholders:
- DLR (Space Operations and Astronaut Training)
- UniBwM (Institute of Space Technology and Space Applications)
REAL-TIME ATTITUDE CONTROL AND ON-ORBIT NAVIGATION LABORATORY
Funding Period: April 2012 – June 2017
Head of Research Group: Prof. Ulrich Walter (TUM)
Stakeholders:
- DLR (Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics)
- TUM (Chair of Astronautics)