Onboard Fault Detection for Hypersonic Vehicles

In Orbit Aerospace proposes to strengthen US capabilities in the Hypersonics domain through the development of an onboard fault detection method using AI/ML algorithms to quickly and accurately determine and address faults for vehicles traveling at hypersonic speeds (Mach 5+). Current US capabilities for hypersonics research and development are significantly lacking compared to adversaries. China has been consistently strengthening its technologies in this domain, as can be noted with the most recent demonstrations with their hypersonic vehicle entry into US airspace. Although the US is currently focused on high-speed aerothermodynamics, there is a significant need for improvement with guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) methods for hypersonic vehicles. A key factor in the success of hypersonic GNC and vehicle performance is an extremely robust and fast method of fault detection and control. When a vehicle is traveling at hypersonic speeds, ground operators simply cannot react quickly enough to determine faults in the system and respond effectively to those conditions. During this Phase I, In Orbit will assess the feasibility of using AI/ML algorithms for the onboard fault detection in hypersonic vehicles such as next-generation missiles, aircraft, and re-entry capsules. Concurrently, In Orbit will reach out to key stakeholders within the US government to identify the critical requirements for transitioning the proposed fault detection method into training, testing, and operations.