Glasgow-based SpaceTech company Craft Prospect Ltd (CPL) has won a contract from the European Space Agency (ESA) to prototype and demonstrate AI and machine learning algorithms for motion planning in orbital space missions, with support on the project coming from University of Glasgow’s Space and Exploration Technology Group.
The project, Robust real-time constrained optimal control using machine learning (ROC-ML) will examine the challenges in generating safe, optimal paths for navigation in spacecraft with thruster control, covering missions which include active debris removal, in-orbit servicing, and space station assembly.
The use of AI provides a vital capability in responding to challenging mission scenarios, where targets can be spinning uncontrollably and environments can be littered with ancillary debris and other obstacles.
Now in its preliminary design phase after a successful System Requirements Review, ROC-ML is employing a rapid prototyping, agile approach to product development.
The preliminary design work will be performed in parallel with hands-on development and implementation of the AI-augmented guidance navigation and control (GNC) system. A hardware-in-the-loop simulator is being developed to train and demonstrate the GNC software, focussing on advanced ML paradigms like reinforcement learning and imitation learning.
The project will proceed through its critical design phase into 2026 and conclude next year with a test campaign to validate and demonstrate the AI-optimised motion planning capabilities of the system.
Valentin Preda, project Technical Officer and GNC Engineer at ESA, said of the project, “Autonomous motion planning and control in complex, dynamic, and uncertain environments is a cornerstone technology for the next generation of space missions.
“This collaboration with Craft Prospect provides an exciting opportunity to explore how advanced machine learning techniques can enhance guidance, navigation, and control systems to support greater autonomy and responsiveness, and extending the capabilities of spacecraft in real-time decision-making and adaptation.”
Murray Ireland, Head of Engineering at Craft Prospect, said, “This is a fantastic project to be working on with ESA. State-of-the-art and next-generation RPO and ISAM spacecraft face significant challenges in conducting successful, safe, and sustainable missions.
“Leveraging our existing expertise and solutions in on-board AI and the University of Glasgow’s knowledge in next-gen satellite GNC approaches, we’re excited to show how AI can be employed with high impact and minimal risk.”