Using Terrestrial Robotics Technology to Meet Space Exploration Needs: A Spin-In Success Story

Paper number

IAC-08.E5.I.15

Author

Ms. Nona Minnifield Cheeks, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, United States

Year

2008

Abstract

NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA GSFC) had a need to augment its capabilities in robotic and other sensor webs with data fusion capabilities for the purposes of autonomous control for space exploration missions. NASA GSFC’s Innovative Partnerships Program Office (IPPO) successfully found an appropriate robotics partner—Carnegie Mellon University’s (CMU) Robotics Institute—and developed the relationship to the point where research is now underway to develop a robotics technology for terrestrial and lunar applications. 

The IPPO identified NASA GSFC’s robotics capability “gaps” through a series of interviews conducted with the key personnel who were leading the Center’s strategic technology efforts. Upon confirming that “filling the gap” was of interest to GSFC management, the IPPO identified CMU as an ideal partner. Although securing that partnership was not a simple, straightforward task, the IPPO worked the partnership development efficiently from a cost and time perspective. Through a single site-visit to CMU’s Pittsburgh location, a strong foundation for future partnerships was laid. The IPPO provided guidance to GSFC personnel on how to present their research in a way that would help CMU researchers recognize “a match.” Follow-up by the IPPO on the areas of overlap propelled the partnership development forward. Specifically, the IPPO helped identify a funding opportunity for GSFC and CMU to pursue jointly. The collaborative proposal was developed and was awarded funding.

The GSFC–CMU joint proposal received funding, and the project is currently developing a telesupervised adaptive sensor system for remotely supervised architectures (e.g., unmanned boats) studying harmful algae blooms in the Chesapeake Bay. This test scenario is a launching point from which NASA can apply this system for managing heterogeneous sets of sensor platforms, a task required for lunar exploration.

By partnering with an academic leader in robotics research to augment the capabilities already available in-house, NASA GSFC is advancing robotics technologies that have science and exploration applications. This paper will discuss the methodology behind this case study as well as how the partnership is being leveraged to pursue future opportunities.

Abstract document

IAC-08.E5.I.15.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.E5.I.15.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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