Spacecraft autonomous reaction capabilities, control approaches, and self-aware computing

Abstract

Space exploration missions require very challenging autonomous reaction capabilities, as spacecraft have to react appropriately to the partially unknown environment in time-critical situations.Here, direct human interaction is often impossible due to significant signal propagation delays related to the huge distances. We discuss existing solution strategies for autonomy in space and exemplified by the missions CASSINI-HUYGEN (landing on the Saturnian moon) and ROSETTA (the accompanying and landing on a comet), and the NetSat project (low Earth orbit formations). Based on the state of the art, we outline how self-aware computing may improve autonomy in future space missions.