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GNC System Framework for Re-usable Space Transportation Systems

Programme
TDE
Programme Reference
T405-601SA
Prime Contractor
EMBOTECH AG
Start Date
End Date
Status
Closed
Country
Switzerland
Objectives

To develop GNC systems for reusable space transportation systems involving a radical redesign of GNC system architecture to meet re-usability needs.

Description

Novel GNC systems are based on on-board real-time optimized GNC systems to enable safe ascent, agile manoeuvring as well as ultraprecise stage landing on ships and ground. Modern space transportation and future exploration systems will be re-usable to contribute in reducing mission costs, while improving reliability, safety and performance. This activity shall establish novel GNC architectures and systems implementing Real-time Optimised GNC system for reliable and fault tolerant ascent flight, precise orbital guidance and control as well as for precision entry descent and landing. Key requirements for the realisation of this technology  shall rely on the development of:A) Novel Reconfigurable Fault Tolerant GN&C Architectures: The architectural design for re-usable GN&C system must be rethought in an incremental fashion and shall rely on a generalised augmentation structure, such that when degradations occur creating substantial delays, the system state remains operational in a so called super safemode. The super safe mode allows full operation of the system meeting all lower level design requirements while not addressing autonomy and limits of performance (feasibility without optimality).B) Real-time Implementable Mission, GN&C and V&V Algorithms: The GN&C algorithms to be developed shall be numerically efficient in order to be implemented and executed in real-time tasks with a reasonable accuracy, fidelity and resolution.C) Adaptive Optimality: The augmented real-time adaptive architecture will serve in exploiting on-line the limits of performance. Guaranteed by design of feasible online solutions must be demonstrated over a wide set of operational conditions even in extreme conditions as well as in degraded mode.D) Verifiability: There must be design metrics that accurately describe the performance and robustness of GN&C algorithms. The activity encompasses the following tasks:
- Critical Analysis GNC Systems for Reusable Space Transportation Systems, Definition of GNC Requirements
- Architectural Design for Responsive GNC Systems
- Development of Responsive Fault Tolerant and Autonomous GNC System for (Ascent, Orbital Operations, Hypersonic Entry Descent, Precision Landing
- Processor in the loop Testing & Validation.

Application Domain
Space Transportation
Technology Domain
10 - Flight Dynamics and GNSS
2 - Space System Software
5 - Space System Control
Competence Domain
3-Avionic Systems
Initial TRL
TRL 2
Target TRL
TRL 3
Achieved TRL
TRL 4
Public Document