EraDrive is working with Northrop Grumman to increase the autonomy of spacecraft using artificial intelligence. Northrop Grumman's vice president of AI integration Han Park noted, that the partnership will help speed up the design, testing and autonomous control of space vehicles.
EraDrive CEO Sumanth Sharma noted, that modern robotic systems, as Northrop Grumman's devices, are extremely complex, however, insufficient autonomy hinders the scaling of the management of such space fleets. The cooperation of the companies is focused on demonstrating the processes of convergence and maneuvering with the help of AI, as well as autonomous decision-making on board, which will allow you to perform previously impossible missions. EraDrive Chief Scientific Officer Simone D'Amico noted, that companies are integrating AI into all phases of robotic missions, from operations in orbit to support from Earth. Next year, EraDrive and Northrop Grumman will work on AI systems for precise positioning of vehicles and their autonomous control. This will make it possible to scale satellite inspection and repair services in space.
EraDrive develops compact hardware and software modules, which receive information from on-board sensors to enhance the autonomy of satellites. Customers can also choose to interface with the EraDrive software and data layer.
Two Mission Extension Vehicles from Northrop Grumman subsidiary SpaceLogistics extend the life of two Intelsat communications satellites in geostationary orbit. SpaceLogistics' Mission Robotic Vehicle with robotic manipulators to perform more complex operations is scheduled for first flight later this year.
Source: https://spacenews.com