Implemented OSIP ideas — December 2022
ESA's Open Space Innovation Platform (OSIP) seeks novel ideas for new space research activities. Campaigns and Channels invite solutions to specific problems or ideas on more general topics, with those run by Discovery & Preparation, including the Open Discovery Ideas Channel, specifically looking for ideas that could be implemented as system studies, early technology developments, or PhD or postdoc research co-funded by ESA and a university.
Open Discovery Ideas Channel
In December 2022, the following ideas were implemented through the Open Discovery Ideas Channel.
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Enabling Lunar In-Situ Agriculture by Producing Fertiliser from Beneficiated Regolith
Solsys Mining
To sustain a long-term presence on the Moon, plants need to be cultivated in situ, preferably using materials available in the lunar environment. Lunar regolith contains most nutrients required for plant growth, but it is not known exactly which nutrients are readily available in regolith or in what amounts. Moreover, to maximise plant access to the nutrients the lunar regolith must be processed. The objective of this study is to investigate available plant nutrients in regolith (by using regolith simulant) and to determine the chain of processes that most efficiently extract nutrients necessary for plant growth.
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Non-invasive vestibular prosthetics for use in altered gravity
Karolinska Institute
This co-funded research project aims to elucidate the possible use of galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) as a non-invasive vestibular prosthetic in altered states of gravity, creating a distinct perception of upright that may be easily calibrated between individuals. Through preclinical trials, the project will investigate how the brainstem may respond to prolonged use of such devices.
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The Uncertain Life of a Space System
University of Strathclyde
Space sustainability combines the sustainable use of space with the sustainable use of resources on Earth to develop space systems. The latter can be enabled by the eco-design approach which evaluates the environmental impact of the whole life cycle of space system using life cycle assessment (LCA) tools. This co-funded research project will use modern imprecise probability theories to define an uncertainty model for the LCA of space systems that enables robust decision making.
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AI-Enhanced Real-Time Identification and LFT Based-Control for Space Systems
Dresden University of Technology
Future space missions must rely heavily on self-awareness, adaption and autonomy. However, classical guidance, navigation and control methods are not sufficient for safe self aware and adaptable operations. Hence, a rethought, mathematically well-founded approach is required, combining model-based and data-driven embedded optimisation for safe autonomy. Real-time system identification is key for online modelling and decision making in dynamically changing environments. Currently this process is fully offline, whereas online robust autonomy is less explored. This co-funded research project will develop real-time embedded optimisation methods for robust modelling, analysis, planning, and decision making.
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Thermoacoustic bistable energy converters: a novel paradigm of thermodynamic cycles for energy production from waste heat sources
Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
The main goal of this co-funded research project is to develop a novel class of highly efficient thermoacoustic energy converters (engine) for energy conversion applications in space, ranging from heat-to-electricity conversion to cryo-cooler applications. In particular, it will develop a highly efficient thermoacoustic energy converter based on the concept of Fano-based bistable systems. The proposed device, in its simplest version, consists of a bilayer polymeric plate with harder base and softer shell.
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Demonstrator for manufacturing electronic components in space using selective atomic layer deposition
ATLANT 3D Nanosystems
ATLANT 3D Nanosystems builds machines capable of printing down to the level of atomic layers, which could be useful for space applications. In this early technology development project, the company will build an atomic layer 3D printer capable of printing with titanium dioxide and plutonium, to demonstrate that the technique could work in a zero-gravity environment and be used to coat/print sensors/circuit elements in space.
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Optimising Quality of Service for Real-Time Lunar Communication Services
Hamburg University of Technology
Read more about this public idea in OSIP
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New concepts for onboard software development
In December 2022, the following ideas were implemented through the Campaign for new concepts for onboard software development.
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Using game engine techniques and Rust to modernise onboard software
Airbus Defense and Space
Read more about this public idea in OSIP
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Generating Formally Verified Communication Protocol Implementations
Ateleris
Read more about this public idea in OSIP
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Mathlib evolution towards future AOCS/GNC and AI needs
Thales Alenia Space
Read more about this public idea in OSIP
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cRustacea in space – co-operative Rust- and C-embedded applications in space – theory and practice
German Aerospace Center – Institute for Software Technology
Read more about this public idea in OSIP
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AI-based onboard reconfigurable FDIR and lifetime prediction for constellations
S.A.T.E. – Systems And Advanced Technologies Engineering
This early technology development project aims to exploit the assets available during the development and operation of satellite constellations, such as the models, the Avionics Test Bench, the operational data and events to develop a workflow that allows fast implementation of high quality AI-based solutions for fault detection, isolation, and recovery, as well as lifetime prediction.
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Explainable Secure Deep Learning Software for Spacecraft GNC Systems
City, University of London
This early technology development project will explore a solution to efficiently detect adversarial attacks on Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) AI-based software for space vehicles. It will introduce a unique concept which uses deep learning algorithms to robustly detect attacks that are introduced through the spacecrafts' onboard perceptual imaging sensors.
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Augmented observability of OBSW for enhanced testing
Thales Alenia Space France
This study will explore innovative software observability techniques made possible by the adoption of complex systems-on-chip in order to reduce the cost of testing and validation of software systems.
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Open Source Software Randomisation Framework for Probabilistic WCET Prediction and Security on (multicore) CPUs, GPUs and Accelerators
Barcelona Supercomputing Center
This study will develop an open source, software randomisation compiler which will increase the safety and security of any type of high performance system used in space. The compiler will allow the computation of the 'Worst Case Execution Time' of any software and harden it against security attacks that exploit the memory layout of the software.
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Formal Methods for GPU Software Development and Verification
Barcelona Supercomputing Center
This study will develop the possibility to prove the correctness of graphics processing unit (GPU) code and the absence of runtime errors and data races, so that GPU code can be used with confidence in safety-critical systems.
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Artificial intelligence applied to code repair after code static analysis verification
Thales Alenia Space España
This early technology development project will apply artificial intelligence to onboard software repair. This marks a step forward in the development of flight software that will dramatically improve delivery times for the software and improve the cost-efficiency of solutions.
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Early technology project for future orbital missions – onboard FDIR based on AI techniques with data streams from Columbus and autonomous TM management control
Airbus Defence and Space
Future missions that go further into the depths of space will need technologies like artificial intelligence and FDIR (fault detection, isolation and recovery) to support humans on their journeys towards unknown planets and galaxies. This early technology development project will develop and test new technologies on the International Space Station.
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Evaluation of Rust usage in space applications by developing BSP and RTOS targeting SAMV71
N7 Space
This study will evaluate the use of Rust programming language in space applications by prototyping an ARM Cortex-M7 SAMV71 microcontroller that targets a real-time operating system (RTOS), together with the required board support package (BSP) and a demonstration application. Lessons learned from these developments and team's previous experiences with flight software implementation in C will be used to generate a Rust Viability Report, containing conclusions and recommendations regarding Rust deployment in space applications.
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