Automated docking uses sensors and control algorithms to safely couple spacecraft without human intervention
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Peer-reviewed literature documents that spacecraft like the European Space Agency's Automated Transfer Vehicle successfully execute fully automated rendezvous and docking operations using onboard navigation sensors and guidance, navigation, and control systems without human intervention.
Abstract This paper describes the development and validation process of a highly automated Guidance, Navigation, & Control subsystem for a small satellite on-orbit inspection application, enabling proximity operations without human-in-the-loop interaction. The paper focuses on the integration and testing of Guidance, Navigation, & Control software and the development of decision logic to address the question of how such a system can be effectively implemented for full automation. This process is unique because a multitude of operational scenarios must be considered and a set of complex interactions between subsystem algorithms must be defined to achieve the automation goal. The Prox-1 mission is currently under development within the Space Systems Design Laboratory at the Georgia Institute of Technology. The mission involves the characterization of new small satellite component technologies, deployment of the LightSail 3U CubeSat, entering into a trailing orbit relative to LightSail using ground-in-the-loop commands, and demonstration of automated proximity operations through formation flight and natural motion circumnavigation maneuvers. Operations such as these may be utilized for many scenarios including on-orbit inspection, refueling, repair, construction, reconnaissance, docking, and debris mitigation activities. Prox-1 uses onboard sensors and imaging instruments to perform Guidance, Navigation, & Control operations during on-orbit inspection of LightSail. Navigation fi
The Orion spacecraft will replace the space shuttle and will be the first human spacecraft since the Apollo program to leave low earth orbit. This vehicle will serve as the cornerstone of a complete space transportation system with a myriad of mission requirements necessitating rendezvous to multiple vehicles in earth orbit, around the moon and eventually beyond . These goals will require a complex and robust vehicle that is, significantly different from both the space shuttle and the command module of the Apollo program. Historically, orbit operations have been accomplished with heavy reliance on ground support and manual crew reconfiguration and monitoring. One major difference with Orion is that automation will be incorporated as a key element of the man-vehicle system. The automated system will consist of software devoted to transitioning between events based on a master timeline. This effectively adds a layer of high level sequencing that moves control of the vehicle from one phase to the next. This type of automated control is not entirely new to spacecraft since the shuttle uses a version of this during ascent and entry operations. During shuttle orbit operations however many of the software modes and hardware switches must be manually configured through the use of printed procedures and instructions voiced from the ground. The goal of the automation scheme on Orion is to extend high level automation to all flight phases. The move towards automation represents a large
ESA’s fifth and final Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV), Georges Lemaître, performed its fully automated rendezvous and docking with the International Space Station (ISS) on August 12, 2014. The ATV’s navigation sensors have shown their worth docking the 20-ton vehicles with aft port of the Space Station, manoeuvring into position and docking with an excellent accuracy. For the second consecutive time after ATV-4, the accuracy at docking was such that the ATV probe head was directly captured inside the Zvezda docking mechanism without contact with the receiving cone. From 30 km and down to a distance of 250 m, ATV uses GPS (Global Positioning System) information from its own receiver and the Station’s that is transmitted over a radiofrequency link. As it moves closer, ATV switches to laser navigation, using the reflection of laser pulses on reflectors mounted on the Space Station. This paper presents the achievements and performance of ATV GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control) across the 5 missions for both types of navigation. It will also discuss the observations made during the various flights regarding unforeseen conditions such as space environment or target pattern contamination having a potential impact on performance and how they were resolved.
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