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Mounted on a robotic arm attached to a 33-m long rail, a camera system is brought closer and closer to this scale-model satellite, recreating the experience of a rendezvous in space.<\/p>\n
European Space Agency\u2019s Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) Rendezvous, Approach and Landing Simulator, GRALS \u2013 part of its Guidance, Navigation and Control Test Facilities at the ESTEC technical centre in the Netherlands \u2013 was used by Lithuanian company Blackswan Space for the testing of their autonomous satellite navigation technology.<\/p>\n
This Vision Based Navigation (VBN) system enables satellites to identify and approach or avoid other objects in space with the help of AI \u2013 in a way akin to self-driving cars.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs the satellite numbers are growing rapidly, such capability is key in enabling us to not only better manage the increasing space traffic, but also service satellites that need repairs or are simply out of fuel,\u201d notes Marius Klimavi\u010dius, founder and CEO of Blackswan Space. \u201cWe see a growing demand for our product as the new market of in-orbit servicing emerges.\u201d<\/p>\n
ESA\u2019s GNC System Engineer Irene Huertas Garc\u00eda explains: \u201cAt the beginning stages of vision-based technology developments, space scenarios are simulated using software. As maturity of the developed solution increases, we need a more representative real-world \u2018hardware-in-the-loop\u2019 testing in visual conditions resembling space. GRALS enables such test conditions, including darkened surroundings and a Sun-like light source as required.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joris Belhadj of the GNC Test Facilities adds: \u201cThe lab\u2019s model satellite \u2013 called BlackGEO\u2013 has been manufactured to contain typical elements of a geostationary satellite\u2019s topography, with characteristic satellite surface materials including multi-layer insulation and solar cells to enhance its optical representativity. The satellite was also produced by Blackswan under ESA contract, and any customers of our laboratory can now make use of it.\u201d<\/p>\n
By leveraging the capabilities of ESTEC\u2019s GRALS, Blackswan has successfully demonstrated the potential of Vision Based Navigation to enhance space traffic management and enable in-orbit servicing. The company\u2019s access to the GNC facility was supported through ESA\u2019s General Support Technology Programme (GSTP).<\/p>\n
The collaboration between ESA and Blackswan Space is strongly backed by the Lithuanian Space delegation. Following the successful test campaign, the delegation has committed to provide ongoing funding to advance Blackswan\u2019s VBN system to TRL 6 within the next 12 months, with an in-orbit demonstration mission planned for 2027.<\/p>\n
ESA is currently developing its own in-orbit servicing mission, RISE, targeting telecommunications satellites in geostationary orbit.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n