Advanced 3D Software Platform for OSAM Proximity Operations Including Inspection

The core deliverable associated with this Phase I STTR is a final feasbility report that thoroughly evaluates the proposed use case. This report validates Quidient’s use case to adapt the Quidient Reality® Generalized Scene Reconstruction (GSR) software platform (the Platform) and develop a ‘light-weight’ 3D Scanning Application (the App). The App will generate and use highly-accurate 3D+ reconstructions (digital twins) of orbital objects (e.g., satellites, space debris) for proximity operations, inspection, sensing, characterization, and planning for capture and/or repair. The GSR Platform utilizes cutting edge innovations in 3D+ scene reconstruction (3D+ = 3D geometry + 2D light flow) to create photorealistic digital models (including geometry and materiality of orbital objects. Other technologies (e.g., LiDAR, Structured Light) struggle or completely fail to reconstruct such objects because such technologies cannot meet the requirements for 3D scene reconstruction. Quidient’s robust and highly accurate 3D+ reconstructions will significantly help improve the performance and accuracy of the inspection systems to identify, categorize, assess, and record damage to known and unknown orbital objects (including debris). This new and enhanced visual data source will be used in support of current approved On-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (OSAM) operations.