Speaker
Description
The emerging market of In-Space Transportation and Logistics (ISTL) necessitates a shift from tailored, mission-specific satellites to versatile, reusable orbital assets. The RAVEN programme addresses this by developing a modular technology stack—integrating GNC, robotics, and propulsion building blocks—to power a fleet of adaptable In-Space Transportation Vehicles (ISTVs).
By replacing traditional single-purpose designs with a scalable fleet paradigm, the RAVEN ISTVs achieves exceptional versatility. The modularity allows the fleet to evolve through three distinct mission tiers: high-resolution in-orbit inspection, cooperative docking and maneuvering, and the robotic manipulation of uncooperative objects. Achieved agility ensures a future-proof service capable of adapting to evolving orbital challenges and customer demands. The system architecture leverages a standardized, universal avionics interface. This enables seamless integration of GNC, robotics, and propulsion modules, facilitating cross-platform compatibility and rapid integration.
The RAVEN DEMO I mission represents the inaugural In-Orbit Demonstration of this architecture. Primarily, DEMO I aims to demonstrate safe Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) in Low Earth Orbit as a foundation for future docking and capture capabilities. The project will validate a commercial in-orbit inspection service by delivering high-value data products to institutional and private customers. Furthermore, DEMO I mission will validate onboard autonomy and fault-handling systems to ensure maximum safety and reliability during complex orbital maneuvers.
To optimize cost-efficiency, the program employs a concurrent engineering approach, utilizing parallel mission scenario modelling to identify the optimal trade-off between mission complexity, development costs, and demonstration objectives.