Project description
Autonomous navigation during deep space exploration
Space exploration and research technologies play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of critical phenomena, deepening our comprehension of physics, and discovering novel resources. Although funding for space exploration decreased in previous decades, renewed interest in the field has created opportunities for scientists and researchers. The ERC-funded DeepSpacePULSE project aims to research and develop an autonomous pulsar X-ray navigation unit for future space exploration, satellite positioning systems, and related applications. This technology will leverage pulsars (astrophysical objects that serve as exceptionally stable and precise clocks) to function as a GPS system, with potential applications both within the solar system and in deep space.
Objective
The DeepSpacePULSE project aims at studying the viability of an autonomous Pulsar X-ray Navigation unit that will improve by an order of magnitude almost all aspects of previous similar systems, making these satellite positioning devices competitive in both the public and private space market. Pulsars are astrophysical objects, namely the final result of the supernova explosions of very massive stars. We have detected thus far about three thousand pulsars in our Galaxy, but we know this is only the tip of the iceberg of their entire population. Pulsars are perfect clocks with unprecedented stabilities, making them a perfect GPS system in space. The DeepSpacePULSE Pulsar Navigation System is expected to be an efficient, small and light navigation unit to be mounted in future space missions. This novel navigation technique has been recently tested on the International Space Station, and can be used within our own Solar System (reducing costs with respect to more standard positioning systems), but also for future deep-space navigation. Travelling in deep-space is currently limited by the required power to exchange information with Earth, in particular concerning the satellite positioning system and orbit determination. The first step for a future deep-space exploration, is to develop the technology that will allow any space mission to be able to guide the spacecraft autonomously. DeepSpacePULSE, using this ERC PoC Lump Sum, wants to perform a feasibility study for a new concept of an autonomous X-ray pulsar navigation system expected to weight about 10kg, be as big as a microwave oven, and using a new pulsar observation plan that will possibly permit to keep the satellite autonomous positioning stable for a few centuries.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering astronautical engineering spacecraft
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering satellite technology
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy stellar astronomy supernova
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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.
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.
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.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2024-POC
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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.
28006 MADRID
Spain
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.