Speaker
Description
e.Inspector ESA mission is focused on performing close proximity maneuvering around a debris (nominally a VESPA adapter) to get VIS-IR images of the target and support its status, shape, dynamics reconstruction in aid of capture and removal. The mission, currently in its phase B, is largely focused on designing, implementing and breadboarding the VIS-IR imaging chain, exploited on board for relative navigation and guidance. COTS cameras are adopted, both VIS and IR already flown. The test campaign has been defined and the Processor In the Loop is being set up with breadboards of the proposed boards, which will be augmented by including EM of the imaging cameras to assess the IP-based GNC proposed architecture with Hardware in the Loop as well. To ensure the needed authority in the center of mass control, the platform is equipped with a low thrust, iodine based thruster, currently under endurance tests. The mission analysis, in fact, shall be robust to possible debris target changes, launcher's release initial state vector, new more stringent disposal regulations. Challenges and mission status will be discussed with focus on the e.Inspector key technologies and plans towards flight.
