The purpose of this thesis is to study the use of space-based robotics for tasks such as space debris removal, in-orbit maintenance/servicing, or orbital modification of satellites. If the target satellite is inactive and/or unstable, it may be necessary to reduce its angular momentum before any physical manipulation can take place.
The student will model and simulate an interceptor satellite (Satellite A) that is tasked with manipulating a second target satellite (Satellite B). Space robotics and autonomous situational awareness are essential capabilities for performing one of the following tasks (not limited to), which the student may choose as a case study/case studies:
- Maintenance, repair, and/or modification of Satellite B.
- Orbital modification for Satellite B.
- Refueling of Satellite B.
- Docking between Satellite A and B.
The use of state-of-the-art mechanisms, manipulators, actuators, and sensors is recommended in this study. To enable physical in-orbit manipulation, the student may want to develop guidance strategies for relative positioning and achieving required relative pose by using available sensors (e.g. Lidar or radar technology).
Recommended prerequisites are:
- Solid background in mathematics (linear algebra, calculus and ODEs).
- Good knowledge of coding, either in Python or Matlab.
- Orbital mechanics.
- Control theory (linear and/or nonlinear control systems, linear and/or nonlinear observers).
- Machine vision (not strictly required, but beneficial).
- CAD modeling (not strictly required, but beneficial).
Suitable for both short and long thesis (30 and 60 credits).
This project is offered by FFI and is subject to FFI acceptance criteria. Contact person at ITS is Mariusz Eivind Grøtte.