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Implemented OSIP ideas — February 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 February 2022, the following ideas were implemented through the Open Discovery Ideas Channel.
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Cellular agriculture for future human space missions
Kayser Space
Read about this public idea in OSIP
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Using bio-inspired microscale riblets for passive boundary-layer laminar-turbulent transition control
University of Manchester
This early technology development project aims to develop and demonstrate the use of herringbone riblets on the outside of hypersonic vehicles, for example launchers carrying satellites into space. Herringbone riblets are inspired by the structure of birds' secondary flight feathers. The results of this project could lead to a significant reduction in aerodynamic heating and drag experienced by a hypersonic vehicle, which could lead to an increased payload and safer vehicle operation.
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Performance enhancement of water-fueled Hall Effect Thrusters using RF excitation
Imperial College London
In spacecraft propulsion, a Hall Effect Thruster is a type of ion thruster in which the propellant is accelerated by an electric field. This co-funded research project will investigate whether using radio waves to heat a Hall Effect Thruster that uses a lightweight molecular propellant such as oxygen could improve its performance. Accomplishing this goal would be a key step towards the commercial and scientific use of water as a propellant for electric propulsion applications – a more eco-friendly alternative to current propellants.
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Development of metal selective laser melting (3D printing) technology for microgravity environment with colloid-like feedstock
Progresja S.A.
When considering sustainable human habitation of other planets or space stations, 3D printing of metallic spare parts and hardware is a major enabling technology. This early technology development project will explore a new method to produce ready-to-use metal parts under in-orbit conditions. The method will use a 3D printer fed with a novel form of raw material made by mixing metal powders with a liquid binder to create a solution that can be worked with in microgravity.
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Pixel twins – integrating Earth’s surface into the internet of things
Linz Center of Mechatronics GmbH
Read about this public idea in OSIP
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Study of non-coplanar arrangements of freeform mirrors for nanosatellites
ONERA
Nanosatellites, and especially CubeSats, are becoming more and more common, and they come with many benefits. But designing a lens with a good angular resolution in such a small and restrictive volume is very difficult. A new type of optics called freeform optics results in smaller and more compact optical systems, with a maintained or even improved performance. This co-funded research project will explore the potential benefits of non-coplanar arrangements of freeform mirrors for optical space payloads.
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Deep neural networks for geomagnetic forecasting
Universidad de Alcalá
Earth is surrounded by a magnetic field that protects us from the charged particles that the Sun sends towards us (the solar wind). The region of space around Earth where the solar wind is affected by Earth's magnetic field is called the magnetosphere. The interaction between the two gives rise to 'geomagnetic activity', which can be described through 'geomagnetic indices'. This co-funded research project will investigate whether a specific kind of machine learning can be applied to data from satellites that observe the solar wind to forecast geomagnetic indices.
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Hybrid propellant thruster using plasma discharge with the dual-mode capability
Progresja Space
In recent years, there has been growing interest in new propulsion systems. There are several reasons for this, including an increased demand for small satellites, the need for green propellants, and the all-electric trend. This early technology development project aims to develop a hybrid propellant thruster using plasma discharge ignition. The goal is to develop a green, low-cost, and volumetrically efficient propulsion system that can be used on various small spacecraft, including satellites that orbit Earth and exploration missions travelling deeper into space.
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OPS-SAT experiments
The following ideas were implemented through the Campaign for new ideas for OPS-SAT experiments.
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Versatile data compression software for sustained high-throughput in-orbit data acquisition
DAPCOM Data Services
In this study, new data compression algorithms will be developed, as will their software implementations for handling radiofrequency data and multi-band images. The team will identify the limitations of existing data compression frameworks in use, investigate existing solutions and design new algorithms where necessary. The end goal of the activity is to allow for real-time, in-orbit compression of demanding data sources, such as long radiofrequency acquisitions or video.
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Angle-based multiple cross-correlation
Observatoire de Paris
Whether pinpointing the location of a satellite in distress, or tracking asteroids in bright regions of the sky, nanosatellites will rely on optimised astrometry for their autonomous navigation. This study will develop an algorithm on board OPS-SAT to dramatically enhance the accuracy of optical measurements made with CubeSat hardware. OPS-SAT offers a wide range of different geometry, aberration and straylight conditions to test the algorithm.
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Onboard anomaly detection from OPS-SAT telemetry using deep learning
KP Labs
Read about this public idea in OSIP
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Satellite identification and localisation experiment
Libre Space Foundation
Read about this public idea in OSIP
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Onboard multi-frame super resolution image
OHB Hellas
The small size of CubeSats often prevents them from obtaining high-quality images for use in Earth observation. This study will use OPS-SAT's powerful hardware and software to run demanding deep learning algorithms that will substantially increase the quality of images acquired with OPS-SAT's camera. By effectively fusing short sequences of low-quality images together, 'multi-frame image super resolution' can be achieved beyond the maximum resolution of the imaging hardware.
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Smallsat DTN
Hellenic Aerospace Industry
Read about this public idea in OSIP
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SaaSY ML: Onboard machine learning software as a service for experimenters
VisionSpace Technologies
Read about this public idea in OSIP
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Data compression as a service
VisionSpace Technologies
Telemetry data is a valuable asset produced by all spacecraft. Compressing data generated in space can increase the mission science throughput of large ESA missions and increase the downlink rates of smaller missions. This study will develop the CompressionCache, a technology inspired by the computer cache that can compress any given data according to multiple criteria simultaneously and automate the management of which criteria are applied to each type of data and will be offered as a service to other OPS-SAT experimenters.
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