European Robotic Orbital Support Services In-Orbit Demonstration

Informations projet

EROSS IOD

N° de convention de subvention: 101082464

DOI

10.3030/101082464

Projet clôturé

Date de signature de la CE 18 Octobre 2022

Date de début 1 Janvier 2023

Date de fin 31 Decembre 2025

Financé au titre de

• Digital, Industry and Space

Coût total

€ 25 983 823,75

Contribution de l’UE

€ 25 983 822,00

Coordonné par

THALES ALENIA SPACE FRANCE SAS
France

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - EROSS IOD (European Robotic Orbital Support Services In-Orbit Demonstration)

Période du rapport: 2023-01-01 au 2023-12-31

Résumé du contexte et des objectifs généraux du projet

The EROSS IOD (European Robotic Orbital Support Services – In Orbit Demonstration) project is focused on showcasing European innovations in providing support services for satellites operating in both low and geostationary orbits. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and safety of orbital operations.
This project marks the fourth part of a research and development collaboration with the European Commission, known collectively as EROSS. So far, the initiative has successfully improved the technological readiness of essential components for autonomous robotics and orbital rendezvous. The first part of the programme covered six projects centred on technological development, which has since evolved to include the application of these technologies in real-world commercial settings.
Currently, EROSS IOD is highlighting a mission blueprint that promises to extend and enhance the operational life of future space systems. This addresses immediate client needs while also preparing for future commercial opportunities. The “Servicer” spacecraft, as part of this mission, will perform a variety of tasks such as safely guiding space debris back to Earth, performing robotic repairs, extending the life of other satellites, refuelling them in orbit, and conducting inspections, among other duties.
The project kicked off in February 2023 and is set to run for 24 months. The objective is to develop a demonstrator mission while simultaneously advancing the development of critical technological components.
The mission plan involves a complete orbital meeting phase where a Servicer satellite will rendezvous with a Client satellite prepared for on-orbit services. This will be followed by the satellite being captured and serviced. The primary purpose of this mission is to prove the feasibility of conducting operations in space that are indicative of future servicing and assembly missions.
On-orbit servicing represents a significant shift in how we manage space assets. Unlike in the past, where systems were left to their fate once in orbit, these new technologies allow satellites to be maintained and upgraded throughout their lifetime. The full demonstration of these capabilities is scheduled for 2027, highlighting a transformative approach to space operations, and will be followed by a phase of pre-operational services delivered by the Servicer in the following years, until the full demonstration of the ISOS concept, in which the EROSS aims to be the Servicing component.

Travail effectué depuis le début du projet jusqu’à la fin de la période considérée dans le rapport et principaux résultats atteints jusqu’à présent

Drawing on the mission and system requirements outlined in the EROSS+ project, the EROSS IOD project has crafted the initial design for a demonstration mission set for launch by 2027. This mission is planned to be both cost-effective and innovative in its approach.
The mission is designed to demonstrate various in-orbit operations such as rendezvous, fly-around, and the capture of a Client satellite under both prepared and unprepared conditions, as well as robotic manipulations involving the transfer of payloads between spacecraft. It will feature one Servicer satellite equipped with all necessary technologies for these operations, alongside a Dummy Client satellite (standing as a typical orbiting client), equipped minimally to simulate future satellites prepared for these services.
A detailed mission scenario has been developed, specifying the functions and operations required. These encompass the emerging technologies as well as traditional spacecraft components, from power supply to structural elements. The key goal for this year has been to validate the feasibility of the entire mission, culminating in a Preliminary Design Review. This review is crucial as it builds confidence in the mission’s viability and prepares the ground for eventual execution.
Concurrently, there has been a focus on advancing the technologies critical to the mission’s success. This includes the development of the robotic subsystem, which involves autonomous on-board algorithms, software, and hardware components such as robotic arms, and USB-like and refuelling interfaces. The rendezvous technology, too, has seen enhancements with the integration of cameras and lidars, as well as improvements in image processing, guidance, navigation and control systems.
To streamline the development process, a continuous integration approach has been adopted. This method integrates all functions into the targeted payload computer early in the development cycle, allowing for immediate quality checks.
This year’s efforts have enabled all partners to make significant progress in refining their technologies and preparing for preliminary design reviews at the level of each subsystem, setting a solid foundation for the future stages of the project.

Progrès au-delà de l’état des connaissances et impact potentiel prévu (y compris l’impact socio-économique et les conséquences sociétales plus larges du projet jusqu’à présent)

We are now approaching the mid-term of our project, and our results are already taking shape. The Technology Readiness Levels, which gauge the maturity of our innovations, will be assessed in the upcoming phases through a series of ground demonstrations.
These upcoming demonstrations are critical as they will confirm that all our system functions have successfully transitioned onto space-grade electronics. This transition is essential for ensuring that our operations can withstand the unique conditions of space. As we continue, the demonstrations will also increasingly reflect more realistic space environments, considering factors such as shape, mass and illumination.
Once this phase of the project concludes, the next steps will involve finalising the development of our technologies to fully prepare a spacecraft for flight. This spacecraft will then undergo a final in-orbit demonstration. Successfully completing this demonstration will confirm our ability to safely execute complex operations in space, thus paving the way for future commercial applications. This will mark a significant milestone in our journey towards enhancing satellite services and capabilities.