Speaker
Mr
Tiago Hormigo
(Spinworks)
Description
Future exploration missions will require the development of new and advanced GNC-related technologies relying on the use of significantly more powerful avionics components than currently available. We put forward the argument that significant advances in low-cost/high-performance processing components, the widespread availability of specialized and open-source software/hardware resources, and the commoditization of vehicles which can easily serve as test platforms (e.g. multicopters, CubeSats), are poised to expedite the GNC development cycle through incremental, frequent, low-cost, high-return-on-investment experimentation - extending from initial algorithm formulation through ground/laboratory testing, flight testing, and finally in-space demonstration. Furthermore, through our own experience in the scope of several past and ongoing ESA projects, we also believe that a criterious use of these technologies, together with a phased transition to the space qualification of selected avionics components in a process duly supervised by experts at ESA, will ultimately enable the validation of radically new exploration capabilities through the execution of low-cost, fast track, GNC technology demonstration missions to the planets.
