Objective
Coordinated operation of clusters of nanosatellites can potentially revolutionize the space sector; however, until recently, performing long-term satellite cluster flight was thought to be impractical, since existing orbital control methods required too much fuel. During the FADER ERC Starting Grant, our team was able to develop autonomous cluster flight algorithms capable of preserving the relative geometry and communication links among satellites in a cluster for mission lifetimes exceeding a year, while utilizing minimal amounts of fuel. Moreover, we developed cluster flight algorithms that do not require propulsion systems at all, demonstrating the usage of atmospheric drag to maintain clusters of satellites in low Earth orbits, while keeping distance constraints among satellites. Utilizing these newly-developed algorithms, nanosatellite clusters can yield the performance of a conventional large satellite for a fraction of the cost, and greatly improve mission and/or science return. The FADER algorithms were subsequently implemented as a prototype on SAMSON, the first triple-nanosatellite autonomous cluster flight mission, scheduled to be launched in 2018.
In this PoC proposal, we will implement the FADER algorithms as embedded software that would enable multiple partners from the nanosatellite industry to use and distribute this new Autonomous Nanosatellite-Clusters Control, Coordination and Communication (NanoC4) Software. The NanoC4 software package will be composed of: (1) cluster flight software, including autonomous orbit control, navigation and inter-satellite communication modules; and (2) a nanosatellite-payload data fusion module for several mission scenarios. Both components will be tested on various space-qualified processors currently available on the market. NanoC4 will thus transform FADER’s results and SAMSON’s prototype implementation into a widely-available product, for the benefit of the European nanosatellite industry and academia.
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.
- natural sciences computer and information sciences software
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering satellite technology
- natural sciences mathematics pure mathematics geometry
- engineering and technology environmental engineering energy and fuels
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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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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - 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.
ERC-POC - Proof of Concept Grant
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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-2017-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.
32000 Haifa
Israel
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.