Model-Based Resource and Mode Management for Lunar Surface Operations, Phase I

The proposed project is aimed at developing a model based resource and mode management system for space robotics systems that will allow real time assessment of resources status and provide required situational awareness to execute efficiently the mission. Traditionally, resource management is being done remotely by the robotics operations team. This approach has numerous disadvantages. For instance, it does not support a more autonomous operation, it takes a longer time to complete than potentially available when the decision has to be made in real time, it has the high costs associated with a large operating team, continuously working for mission support. Ideally, such a function should be part of a full Integrated System Health Management (ISHM), but while a lot of research is being done on the development of ISHM systems, very little effort is made to provide the robot with the capability to use system information to assess the possible strategies with respect to the remaining resources of the vehicle. A model based system can use its understanding of the system state, of its operational modes and of its resource usage to deduce the potential optimum strategies in order to achieve the mission goals.

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.