Autonomous Docking
Computer vision and trajectory planning algorithms that enable precise rendezvous and docking with target spacecraft or stations.
Featured Project · Space Science
Orbital Autonomy Kit
Autonomous navigation system enabling spacecraft to make critical decisions for docking, debris avoidance, and trajectory optimization without ground control.
Overview
The Orbital Autonomy Kit (OAK) is a comprehensive software framework that enables spacecraft to operate autonomously in orbit. With communication delays to ground control ranging from seconds to hours, spacecraft need the ability to make time-critical decisions on their own.
OAK integrates real-time trajectory optimization, collision avoidance, sensor fusion, and decision-making algorithms into a flight-ready system that has been validated through extensive simulation and hardware-in-the-loop testing.
Core Capabilities
Debris Avoidance
Real-time tracking and avoidance of space debris using onboard sensors and predictive collision assessment.
Trajectory Optimization
Convex optimization-based trajectory planning that accounts for fuel efficiency, time constraints, and collision avoidance.
Fault Detection & Recovery
Monitoring system health, detecting anomalies, and executing recovery procedures autonomously.
Technical Architecture
- Real-Time Operating System.Custom RTOS providing deterministic execution for safety-critical operations.
- Sensor Fusion.Kalman filtering and multi-sensor integration for robust state estimation in challenging environments.
- Model Predictive Control.Rolling-horizon optimization for trajectory planning with hard constraints on actuator limits.
- Formal Verification.Mathematically proven safety guarantees for critical decision-making components.
Mission Performance
< 10ms Decision Latency
From sensor input to actuation command, enabling rapid response to dynamic situations.
99.9% Success Rate
Validated through thousands of simulated docking scenarios and hardware tests.
30% Fuel Savings
Optimized trajectories reduce propellant consumption compared to traditional approaches.
Partner With Us
Deploy OAK on your mission
We work with space agencies and commercial aerospace companies to integrate OAK into spacecraft systems.