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A Sensor for Autonomous Navigation in Deep Space

Objective

The “space revolution” is expected to become the biggest industry in history. During the last decades, space exploration has contributed to the development of various technologies (i.e. GPS, weather predictions, solar cells, reliable power grid, Earth observation services) that feedback into the economy and improve our lives. In 2020, the global space economy was valued at about $ 446.9 B. With the advent of deep-space CubeSats, nanosatellites that disrupted this industry, space agencies are planning to launch tens of CubeSat in deep space per single launch. The number of deep-space probes is bound to thrive, yet their growth is unsustainable with current practice. Human-in-the-loop operations are particularly relevant for flight-related procedures in cruise phase: the spacecraft position is determined from ground, with a consistent involvement of resources and assets. It is acknowledged that a sustainable deep-space exploration requires enabling self-driving spacecraft. The SENSE project forges an autonomous navigation sensor for the self-positioning of spacecraft in the solar system. The project stems from the ERC-funded project EXTREMA (ERC-CoG-2019). SENSE aims to elevate the celestial triangulation method conceived in EXTREMA to a proof-of-concept sensor at TRL 4. Our autonomous navigation sensor, nanoSENSE, is a disruptive innovation that will change the modus operandi for spacecraft navigation. SENSE will revolutionize the way spacecraft travel in space, by cutting the cost of ground control of the whole cruise phase and unlocking the new space mission concept. The project follows a suitably devised pathway to cover technical validation activities and assessment of exploitation opportunities. SENSE has raised the interest of leading sectoral players (see Letters of Interest).

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) ERC-2022-POC1

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Host institution

POLITECNICO DI MILANO
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 150 000,00
Address
PIAZZA LEONARDO DA VINCI 32
20133 Milano
Italy

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Region
Nord-Ovest Lombardia Milano
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

No data

Beneficiaries (1)

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