Guidance, Navigation, and Control for Autonomous Spacecraft Docking

Current spacecraft rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking systems typically rely on human-monitored or controlled Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) systems. This project focuses on an autonomous GNC system specifically for spacecraft rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking applications. Autonomous systems are advantageous as they allow for operation without human intervention, do not rely on intermittent communication windows, work in highly challenging environments (i.e. around the Moon or Mars), and are highly scalable. This project proposes the research, optimization, and implementation of spacecraft GNC routines that enable fully autonomous spacecraft docking. Specifically, it seeks to optimize several GNC aspects including the attitude controller, trajectory controller, thrust allocation strategies, and proximity operation trajectories, then validate the research with spacecraft flight computers in simulation. This project will help situate Canada as an autonomy leader within the space sector and support the development of Canadian graduate students and small businesses.

Faculty Supervisor:

Steve Ulrich

Student:

Partner:

Obruta Space Solutions

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Aerospace; Artificial Intelligence; Technology

University:

Carleton University

Program: