validation of the i3ds: suite of sensors for orbital and planetary missions

Paper number

IAC-18,D3,3,3,x42626

Author

Ms. Sabrina Andiappane, France, Thales Alenia Space – France

Year

2018

Abstract

The Integrated 3D Sensors (I3DS) project aims at providing future space missions with a multi-purpose suite of sensors, with a standardised interface to the platform and sensing solution that can be customised in terms of sensors and software. 

I3DS intends to develop a modular suite composed of a central processing element interfaced with the platform, called Instrument Control Unit (ICU), and a collection of sensor building blocks that can be added or removed. In order to make the suite as generic as possible, I3DS sensors have been selected from a wide range of devices suitable for different scenarios. Two main subsets are defined for two different applications: rendezvous with a space robot for servicing or a planetary exploration by an autonomous rover. 

I3DS sensors suite aims at covering orbital scenarios beyond the rendezvous and capture of a cooperative target spacecraft, like the on-orbit servicing with module replacement & refuelling, the assembly of complex structures, and to explore the limits for challenging missions like the space debris removal.
Two main scenarios are foreseen for the planetary use-case with the Mars Sample Return (MSR) and the Lunar Volatiles Prospector (LVP) missions for autonomous sample characterisation. 
From the sensing point of view, I3DS is made up of: 
\begin{enumerate}\item Inertial Sensors\end{enumerate}
\begin{itemize}\item Star Tracker (STR) \end{itemize}
\begin{itemize}\item Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) \end{itemize}
\begin{enumerate}\item Relative Sensors\end{enumerate}
\begin{itemize}\item Radar\end{itemize} 
\begin{itemize}\item LIght Detection And Ranging (LIDAR)\end{itemize} 
\begin{itemize}\item Time-Of-Flight (TOF) camera \end{itemize}
\begin{itemize}\item Stereo camera \end{itemize}
\begin{itemize}\item High-Resolution camera \end{itemize}
\begin{itemize}\item Thermal Infra-Red (TIR) camera \end{itemize}
\begin{itemize}\item Force/Torque sensor and tactile sensors \end{itemize}
\begin{enumerate}\item Illumination Devices\end{enumerate}
\begin{itemize}\item Wide-angle torch illumination device\end{itemize}
\begin{itemize}\item Pattern Projector \end{itemize}
The hardware design of the suite will be presented in terms of mechanical and electrical integration and the sensor inputs/outputs. Accuracy and performances results will be presented following tests realised in a Mars Yard for the planetary track and in closed loop testing on a robotic test bench for the orbital track.
This project brings together the following companies throughout Europe: THALES ALENIA SPACE, SINTEF (Norway), TERMA (Denmark), COSINE (Netherlands), PIAP Space (Poland), HERTZ Systems (Poland), and University of Cranfield (UK).

I3DS is co-funded under Horizon 2020 EU research and development program and part of the Strategic Research Cluster on Space Robotics Technologies as the Operational Grant n°4 among 6. It has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement N°730118.

Abstract document

IAC-18,D3,3,3,x42626.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-18,D3,3,3,x42626.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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