Objective A paradigm shift is emerging in spacecraft engineering from single, large, and multifunctional satellites towards cooperating groups of small satellites. This will enable innovative applications in areas like Earth observation or telecommunication. Related interdisciplinary research in the field of formation control and networked satellites are key challenges of this proposal.Modern miniaturization techniques allow realization of satellites of continuously smaller masses, thus enabling cost-efficient implementation of distributed multi-satellite systems. In preparation my team has already realized two satellites at only 1 kg mass in the University Würzburg’s Ex¬perimental satellite (UWE) program, emphasizing crucial components for formation flying, like communication (UWE-1, launched 2005), attitude determination (UWE-2, launched 2009), and attitude control (UWE-3, launched 2013).My vision for the proposed project is to demonstrate formation control of four pico-satellites in-orbit for the first time worldwide. To realize this objective, innovative multi-satellite networked orbit control based on relative position and attitude of each satellite is to be implemented in order to enable Earth observations based on multipoint measurements. Related sensor systems used in my laboratory in research for advanced characterization of teams of mobile robots will be transferred to the space environment. Breakthroughs are expected by combining optimal control strategies for coordination of relative motion with a robust flow of information in the network of satellites and ground stations, implemented via innovative use of ad-hoc networks in space. Based on my team’s expertise in implementing very small satellites, first time a system composed of four satellites will be launched to demonstrate autonomous distributed formation control in orbit. This research evaluation in space is expected to open up significant application potential for future distributed satellite system services in Earth observation. Fields of science engineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringaerospace engineeringastronautical engineeringspacecraftengineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringaerospace engineeringsatellite technologyengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensors Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-AG-PE8 - ERC Advanced Grant - Products and process engineering Call for proposal ERC-2012-ADG_20120216 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-AG - ERC Advanced Grant Host institution ZENTRUM FUR TELEMATIK EV EU contribution € 2 500 000,00 Address MAGDALENE-SCHOCH-STRASSE 5 TGZ GEBAUDE 97074 Wurzburg Germany See on map Region Bayern Unterfranken Würzburg, Kreisfreie Stadt Activity type Research Organisations Administrative Contact Ulrike Goebel (Ms.) Principal investigator Klaus Schilling (Prof.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Beneficiaries (2) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all ZENTRUM FUR TELEMATIK EV Germany EU contribution € 2 500 000,00 Address MAGDALENE-SCHOCH-STRASSE 5 TGZ GEBAUDE 97074 Wurzburg See on map Region Bayern Unterfranken Würzburg, Kreisfreie Stadt Activity type Research Organisations Administrative Contact Ulrike Goebel (Ms.) Principal investigator Klaus Schilling (Prof.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data JULIUS-MAXIMILIANS-UNIVERSITAT WURZBURG Participation ended Germany EU contribution No data Address SANDERRING 2 97070 Wuerzburg See on map Region Bayern Unterfranken Würzburg, Kreisfreie Stadt Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Christian Gloggengießer (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
