Related papers: An Image-Based Sensor System for Autonomous Rendez…
We propose a fixed-lag smoother-based sensor fusion architecture to leverage the complementary benefits of range-based sensors and visual-inertial odometry (VIO) for localization. We use two fixed-lag smoothers (FLS) to decouple accurate…
In recent years, Onboard Self Localization (OSL) methods based on cameras or Lidar have achieved many significant progresses. However, some issues such as estimation drift and feature-dependence still remain inherent limitations. On the…
This work introduces VISY-REVE: a novel pipeline to validate image processing algorithms for Vision-Based Navigation. Traditional validation methods such as synthetic rendering or robotic testbed acquisition suffer from difficult setup and…
Navigation and localization of UAVs present a challenge when global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) are disrupted and unreliable. Traditional techniques, such as simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) and visual odometry (VO),…
Event cameras offer microsecond latency, high dynamic range, and low power consumption, making them ideal for real-time robotic perception under challenging conditions such as motion blur, occlusion, and illumination changes. However,…
On-orbit servicing (OOS) activities will power the next big step for sustainable exploration and commercialization of space. Developing robotic capabilities for autonomous OOS operations is a priority for the space industry. Visual Servoing…
The remarkable growth of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has also sparked concerns about safety measures during their missions. To advance towards safer autonomous aerial robots, this work presents a vision-based solution to ensuring safe…
A fundamental maneuver in autonomous space operations is known as rendezvous, where a spacecraft navigates to and approaches another spacecraft. In this case study, we present linear and nonlinear benchmark models of an active chaser…
Reliable pose estimation of uncooperative satellites is a key technology for enabling future on-orbit servicing and debris removal missions. The Kelvins Satellite Pose Estimation Challenge aims at evaluating and comparing monocular…
Autonomous navigation and path-planning around non-cooperative space objects is an enabling technology for on-orbit servicing and space debris removal systems. The navigation task includes the determination of target object motion, the…
Satellite rendezvous and docking (RvD) maneuvers are essential for satellite servicing and in-orbit assembly. Traditional approaches often treat translational and rotational motions independently, simplifying control design but potentially…
As near-Earth resident space objects proliferate, there is an increasing demand for reliable technologies in applications of on-orbit servicing, debris removal, and orbit modification. Rendezvous and docking are critical mission phases for…
In this study, a single autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) aims to rendezvous with a submerged leader recovery vehicle through a cluttered and variable operating field. The rendezvous problem is transformed into a nonlinear optimal control…
In-orbit automated servicing is a promising path towards lowering the cost of satellite operations and reducing the amount of orbital debris. For this purpose, we present a pipeline for automated satellite docking port detection and state…
This paper presents the design, development, and experimental validation of MARVEL, an autonomous unmanned surface vehicle built for real-world testing of sensor fusion-based navigation algorithms in GNSS-denied environments. MARVEL was…
Rendezvous aims at gathering all robots at a specific location, which is an important collaborative behavior for multi-robot systems. However, in an unknown environment, it is challenging to achieve rendezvous. Previous researches mainly…
Given the critical roles that satellites play in national defense, public safety, and worldwide communications, finding ways to determine satellite trajectories is a crucially important task for improved space situational awareness.…
Space debris and inactive satellites pose a threat to the safety and integrity of operational spacecraft and motivate the need for space situational awareness techniques. These uncooperative targets create a challenging tracking and…
A method of near real-time detection and tracking of resident space objects (RSOs) using a convolutional neural network (CNN) and linear quadratic estimator (LQE) is proposed. Advances in machine learning architecture allow the use of…
We present a waypoint planning algorithm for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that is teamed with an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) for the task of search and rescue in a subterranean environment. The UAV and UGV are teamed such that the…