ATHENA (Autonomous Technology for Habitat Environmental Navigation and Assistance)

The Autonomous Technology for Habitat Environmental Navigation and Assistance (ATHENA) is an AI-driven robotic system designed for autonomous spacecraft maintenance, anomaly detection, and logistics management. As NASA extends human spaceflight beyond low Earth orbit, ATHENA will enhance operational efficiency by autonomously performing critical tasks, reducing astronaut workload, and ensuring long-term habitat functionality. ATHENA’s core capabilities include: AI-powered perception and manipulation, using deep-learning models for object recognition, pose estimation, and adaptive grasp planning. Autonomous anomaly detection, identifying structural issues, leaks, and environmental hazards in real time. Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) based navigation, enabling precise movement and interaction within spacecraft interiors. In Phase I, ATHENA will be validated within the Astrobee Gazebo Simulator to ensure seamless integration with existing NASA robotic systems. Funding will support the development of AI-based perception, grasp planning, and navigation capabilities, laying the foundation for hardware-in-the-loop testing in Phase II. Beyond NASA, ATHENA’s autonomous capabilities have commercial applications in space station operations, deep-space logistics, and terrestrial industries requiring intelligent robotic automation in complex environments.