AUSTRALIA IN SPACE
Building next generation autonomous space systems with AI By Dr Carl Seubert, Chief Research Officer, SmartSat CRC and Ryszard Kowalczyk Professorial Chair of Artificial Intelligence, SmartSat CRC University of South Australia
A
AI generated concept image
dvancements in space technology continue to
board to controlling the spacecraft in real-time, even when
push the boundaries of possibility for orbit, with
out of contact with ground stations. Key applications of
spacecraft autonomy seen as the key to next-
spacecraft autonomy include:
generation space systems. These new systems promise to enable new applications and increase the efficiency,
Continuous mission planning & real-time execution
responsiveness and continuity of space-based Earth and science observations, communication and connectivity,
One of the primary benefits of spacecraft autonomy is the
meeting our Defence and National Security needs. The aim
ability to perform continuous mission planning and execution
is to fly smarter spacecraft, with a reduced burden to on-
onboard without relying on constant communication with
ground operators and users and built around a responsible
ground stations. This allows the spacecraft to adapt to
approach in congested orbital regimes.
changing conditions and respond to unexpected events in
The potential of spacecraft autonomy for Australia
real-time without needing to wait for commands from Earth. This can include an ability to navigate autonomously and adjust its trajectory based on scientific observations, avoid
For Australia, the possibilities are particularly exciting. While the nation’s space sector is still relatively young, it is already producing game-changing technologies, including world-
hazards or conjunctions or meet mission requirements.
Maximising mission objectives
firsts across many sectors, from defence to communications. Distributed architectures and constellations of small
Onboard decision-making enables the spacecraft or its
spacecraft are achievable prospects that will enable us to
payload to maximise mission objectives by utilising the
take advantage of these new space systems.
available onboard resources or capabilities of nearby
One key factor in realising this vision is spacecraft
constellation spacecraft for edge processing. For example,
autonomy and onboard artificial intelligence (AI). Recognised
if a spacecraft has limited power or fuel, it can prioritise its
as a key capability, this is an opportunity for Australia to
activities to ensure the most critical objectives are achieved
build on its technology prowess, developing these innovative
before exhausting its resources. Additionally, spacecraft
technologies and contributing to the international space
can work together in a coordinated manner to achieve
ecosystem. This is a huge opportunity for Australia to
shared goals, such as performing scientific observations or
develop AI-based spacecraft autonomy capabilities for the
communicating with Earth.
next-generation space systems to enable national missions and achieve home-grown benefits of remote sensing,
System robustness
communications, and other vital services from space.
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Spacecraft autonomy can cover many spacecraft and
Spacecraft autonomy also enhances the robustness of the
payload aspects, from planning and executing missions on
spacecraft systems, which refers to its ability to continue