New Unified Framework for Scalable, Risk-Aware, and Resilient Estimation and Control of Satellite Swarms

Satellite swarm missions have gained significant attention in recent years due to their potential utility in applications such as distributed antennas, synthetic aperture, distributed atmospheric sampling, and in-space assembly of large structures. However, current swarm missions are limited in scope and complexity due to a lack of on-board perception and autonomy, which can be attributed to gaps in the following key areas: (i) uncertainty quantification and robustification; (ii) formation and trajectory planning; (iii) real-time, collision-free navigation and control; and (iv) robust, cooperative estimation and sensor fusion.

The proposed project seeks to fill these gaps by researching and developing a validated and fully-integrated computational and operational framework for formation planning, estimation, and control of a satellite swarm, with application to a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) swarm in close formation. Particular emphasis is on scalability (~100s of satellites), real-time feasibility (~100 MHz CPU, ~1 MB Memory), and quantification and robustness to uncertainties. The framework consists of theories, software tools, and scalable algorithms in the four areas mentioned above, as well as algorithms for fault detection and fault tolerant control of the patented propulsion technology (known as B125) developed by our Vermont-based industry partner, Benchmark Space Systems.

The framework will be validated using software and HiL testing on a large swarm of SAR CubeSats, which must robustly and precisely maintain a desired formation and attitude to image Earth, avoid space debris and collisions, be robust to uncertainties and faults, and optimize the use of fuel. This project will be conducted by the science-I and Co-Is at the University of Vermont (UVM) with collaboration with researchers at Benchmark, as well as NASA scientists and engineers at JPL. Successful completion of this project will offer the burgeoning satellite industry strong evidence that large-scale swarms can be controlled and managed autonomously in an efficient and reliable manner to solve complex problems, and will position UVM and Vermont as leaders in space and CubeSat R&D.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.