Vision-Aided Navigation Technology for Autonomous Geospatial Engagement

Infinite Orbits is developing the VANTAGE Technology, an advanced autonomous vision-based navigation and rendezvous system designed to enhance Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA) for defense and commercial applications. This proposal details Phase I feasibility study results and plans for Phase II to advance VANTAGE to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6, aligning with NASA standards.Phase I Feasibility Study ResultsPhase I focused on developing and verifying the VANTAGE Optical Payload and Navigation software using an agile strategy. Infinite Orbits conducted extensive R&D activities, including Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) testing of navigation functionalities and Guidance and Control (GNC) algorithms, and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing for both Far Range (FR) and NR navigation. These tests validated the system’s accuracy, reliability, and performance under simulated conditions. Additionally, environmental tests (thermal vacuum, vibration, and shock) confirmed the payload’s resilience and reliability in GEO. A study on dim object detection demonstrated the optical payload’s capability to identify stars of magnitude up to 9.13, showcasing its effectiveness for SSA and SDA tasks.Phase II Technical ObjectivesPhase II aims to further develop and validate the VANTAGE system, focusing on real-time surveillance and tracking capabilities. Key objectives include:Optical Payload Design and Testing:Develop a GEO Optical payload to detect 10cm objects in GEO from 200km, with 95% accuracy.Complete environmental testing to ensure 98% operational reliability over a 5-year lifespan. GNC Software Advancement:Implement advanced vision-based algorithms for autonomous navigation with less than 0.5 meters error margin.Validate software through SIL testing, ensuring effective navigation in all simulated scenarios.Engineering Model Integration:Develop and integrate an engineering model of the optical payload.Complete functional testing for detection accuracy and navigation.System-Level Validation:Perform HIL testing with integrated hardware and software in lab conditions, achieving 95% operational verification.Commercial and Defense ApplicationsVANTAGE technology supports a smaller form factor, leading to shorter development times and reduced costs. Its autonomous capabilities reduce operational expenses, driving commercial interest and competitive differentiation. Designed to enhance In-Orbit Servicing (IOS) operations, VANTAGE allows satellite operators to respond swiftly to space conditions and malfunctions.By detecting sub-10cm RSOs in GEO from 200km, and  near range inspection capabilities, the system improves SSA/SDA applications. This technology will be crucial for the US Department of the Air Force (DAF), offering benefits like cost reduction, increased asset utilization, and enhanced operational efficiency. VANTAGE’s diagnostic capabilities support informed decision-making, reducing mission risks and extending satellite life.