Created: 2021-07-18
Updated: 2024-01-23
Company - GMV
Product/Service
- Classification
- Surface Spacecraft
- Category
- Commercial Rover
Space Robotics
Software
Hardware
Robotic Arm
- Fields
- Lunar Rover
Moon
- Status
- Development
- First launch
- Not announced
MIRROR (Multi-arm Installation Robot for Readying ORUS and Reflectors)
- As prime contractors of the activity and in cooperation with Leonardo S.p.A and Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, we're developing a multi-arm robot system that can relocate over a spacecraft and deploy orbital replaceable units (ORUs) or reflector segments from their stowed location to their operational location.
- To achieve such objectives, we're developing the control and sensing subsystems and producing the testbed (mock-up of reflector segments and weight compensation device), allowing the breadboard validation in laboratory conditions.
- This activity is currently at its final stage, with the breadboard close to undergoing testing at our facilities (Platform-art ©).
RAPID (Robust and Semi-Autonomous Platform for Increased Distances)
- In this context, as part of the RAPID project led by GMV for the European Space Agency (ESA),
- GMV is currently designing and developing a cutting-edge robotic platform, an autonomous rover capable of safely traversing lunar areas at an average speed of 1.1 m/s, a speed never before achieved on the surface of a distant planet by an autonomous robot, using a guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) system based on visual navigation, i.e. on images generated/acquired by cameras installed on the rover.
- In the project’s initial phase, the mission’s terrain characteristics were defined, including planned traverse distances, types of obstacles, and the functional requirements of the components, as well as their operational and testing requirements.
- Subsequently, GMV designed the RAPID mobile platform to meet the proposed requirements, particularly in terms of speed. This required improvements in all the subsystems involved: suspension, wheel characteristics, motors, power systems, as well as conducting several simulations of the rover’s interaction with the ground to ensure it maintains contact, avoids slippage, and prevents tipping over during traverses.
- Additionally, GMV has developed a semi-autonomous guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) subsystem with the main objective of achieving continuous driving, going beyond the current “stop-and-go” approach and avoiding stops during traverses. The main goal of this task has been to ensure that the GNC can drive the rover at the required speed, enabling much faster control cycles than traditional rovers. The project includes a control center to command the rover using different levels of autonomy, ranging from teleoperation to sending autonomous commands (e.g., autonomously going to a specific point).
- Currently, GMV is conducting integration, preliminary, and field tests with the demonstrator in open fields, collecting performance parameters and test results. Rocks with specific mineral types, unique topographies, traces of moisture, and ancient streambeds are the research objectives for these tests, which will train it for future planetary exploration missions.
PERASPERA
Using AI to enable human and robotic planetary resources utilisation.
Space Traffic Management
- GMV Wins Contract For State-of-the-art Space Debris Software For German Space Agency, 2021-11-03.
- SPACE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT FOR XXI CENTURY SPACE OPERATIONS, 2021-2022.
- GMV is leading automated collision avoidance operations and coordination in Europe, 2022-07-05.
- GMV provides the core software for the Greek Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST) System, 2023-03-26.