Project description
Autonomous spacecraft for the future
Deploying and operating spacecraft presents challenges not typically encountered in ground-based systems. Constructing, repairing, and modifying structures in space (such as telescopes such as the JWST) is complex, while spacecraft must also operate under strict power and bandwidth constraints, limiting onboard computing capabilities. Overcoming these hurdles is crucial as uncrewed missions advance both space exploration and Earth monitoring. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the BASE project envisions a future where spacecraft autonomously adapt to unforeseen situations. By combining AI, neuromorphic computing, and mathematics, BASE aims to develop novel self-assembly and self-modification methods for space structures, while advancing spiking neural networks for onboard AI, laying the foundation for next-generation autonomous space exploration.
Objective
Nowadays, uncrewed spacecraft missions not only push the boundaries of our scientific understanding of the Universe, but are an indispensable tool for monitoring and increasing our understanding of Earth. However, deploying and operating spacecraft comes with many challenges usually not encountered in ground-based systems. Two major challenges are the construction, repair and modification of structures in space (e.g. telescopes like JWST) and their operation under harsh constraints like limited power and transmission bandwidths, restricting especially the computing power available onboard spacecraft.
BASE (Biologically-inspired Autonomous Systems for Space Exploration) envisions a future of independent and autonomous spacecraft that can adapt to unexpected situations and reconfigure their structure accordingly without human guidance. To achieve this bold goal, this action will lay the conceptual foundation for such innovative technologies by developing novel concepts combining techniques from AI, neuromorphic computing and mathematics. More specifically, I will (i) for the first time thoroughly analyze the potential benefits (i.e. energy demands, performance) of spiking neural networks to enable onboard AI and (ii) develop methods for the autonomous self-assembly and self-modification of space structures from individual components, focussing on scenarios that are compatible with currently envisioned designs.
The ambitious applications considered in BASE will drive highly innovative progress in the considered disciplines, e.g. by deriving the first mathematical theory for characterising computational properties of spiking neural networks. By tightly binding theory and algorithms to concrete applications, the transferability of the outcome of this action to impactful technologies is guaranteed. Finally, the objectives of BASE are complementary, providing both the computing platform and methodology for spacecraft autonomy, yielding a highly unique research program.
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
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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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-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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) HORIZON-MSCA-2022-PF-01
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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.
1010 Wien
Austria
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.