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The development of space technologies has always fascinated humanity, and the recent advances produced by AVS US, in collaboration with Cornell University and the University of North Dakota (UND), mark a decisive turning point in autonomous space exploration. The successful launch of two small satellites aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket represents a major advance for autonomous space operations. This mission, entitled UND Roads (Rendezvous and Operations for Autonomous Docking and Servicing), aims to make the first fully autonomous mooring between small spacecraft using only satellite navigation signals.
An innovative approach for GPS mooring
Designed in AVS installations in Lansing, New York, the UND Roads mission is a direct development of the PAN (Pathfinder for Autonomous Navigation) project). While Pan had encountered launch delays and operational challenges during the COVVI-19 pandemic, he had already introduced the innovative concept of an affordable satellite meeting based on GPS using cubesats. Since then, AVS and UND have worked to improve this foundation, optimizing both the hardware and the software to ensure orbit reliability.
The Roads mission uses two small spacecraft equipped with magnetic mooring interfaces and on -board differential GPS navigation (DGPS). Unlike traditional mooring systems that depend on expensive sensors and cameras, Roads relies exclusively on GPS signals and satellite communication with shared satellite. This minimalist approach could, if it succeeds, considerably reduce the cost and complexity of future missions.
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The first autonomous mooring of cubesat in the world
Originally founded in Europe, AVS became known for its work in nuclear merger, space and technologies of particle accelerators. Since entering the American market in 2019, AVS has quickly joined the aerospace sector, providing technologies to national laboratories such as the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source. The Roads mission represents the first full effort to develop AVS spaceship in the United States as a principal contractor.
The success of this demonstration could serve as civilian and military interests, in particular the objectives of NASA for the autonomous satellite service and the needs of the Department of Defense for resilient spatial logistics. According to Ramon Blanco Maceiras, head of space at Avs US, this demonstration could redefine space operations. It could open the way to repairs in orbit, refueling, self-assembly of megastructures, and even in the first city in space.
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A strategic and innovative partnership
The collaboration between AVS, Cornell and UND is an example of synergy between the academic world and the industry to push the limits of space technology. The Roads mission, which required less than two years to be developed, testifies to the effectiveness of this cooperation. By exploiting the simple but daring concept of Pan, AVS has combined its previous experience in space flight and in orbit service to deliver these satellites in a remarkably short time.
The mission is currently in low terrestrial orbit and has started its systems verification procedures. Rendez-vous and mooring are scheduled later in the year, making a significant contribution to the United States strategic objectives in terms of space operations. A technical article co-written by AVS, Cornell and UND will be presented at the Small Satellite 2025 conference, detailing the architecture of the mission, navigation algorithms and mooring technologies used.
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Prospects for the future of spatial exploration
The potential success of the UND Roads mission could have deep implications for the future of spatial exploration. By demonstrating the possibility of a fully autonomous mooring based on GPS, this mission could revolutionize the way in which the services, inspections and assemblies in orbit are carried out. The reduction in costs and complexity could make these operations accessible to a larger number of actors, democratizing access to space.
While the mission continues to progress, it arouses growing interest in both public and private fields, offering new opportunities for technological innovation and international collaboration. How will these advances transform our approach to exploration and space exploitation in the future?
The author relied on artificial intelligence to enrich this article.
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