Our aim: A challenge prize to successfully fly four fully autonomous spacecraft through a sequence of complex manoeuvres in close formation for 48 hours
Many of the most exciting space services of the future will rely on satellites operating safely in close proximity to each other. Right now, we generally keep satellites as far apart from one other as we can – to minimise the risk of collisions.
In future, they’ll need to get near to one another – without crashing.
Building solar power stations in space will require robotic spacecraft assembling and unfolding huge solar panels with great precision. Making space more environmentally sustainable will need a way to refuel, repair and refurbish satellites – requiring servicing spacecraft to visit them. Clustering satellites together – and keeping other zones relatively clear – will help with managing space debris and reducing the risks in launch but will need satellites to reliably operate when flying in formation.
A challenge prize could accelerate the innovation that makes this possible.
We already do close proximity operation – but it’s not routine. When resupply vessels rendezvous with the International Space Station, they have to safely operate in close proximity. The Hubble Space Telescope was serviced in orbit five times. Even back in 1969, the Apollo 11 mission had to go through a sequence of careful docking and undocking manoeuvres between the lander and orbiter.
But these delicate operations have been rare, on a small-scale (involving just a handful of spacecraft) and have generally relied on astronauts to guide them in real time.
We need research and development work into the technologies that enable robotic spacecraft to operate. Accurate sensors and robust computer systems on board the spacecraft. Traffic management systems. Communications networks. Software systems to tie it all together.
But ultimately the objective is what matters, not the precise technologies that underpin it: the demonstrable and repeatable ability to maintain satellites close together, over sustained periods, and through complex, choreographed manoeuvres – without any mishaps.
The UK is well placed to lead the development of these technologies. With a thriving commercial space sector and strong institutions such as the UK Space Agency and Satellite Applications Catapult supporting it, the UK has the knowhow.
But the sector needs support – supplying the financing and setting a long-term strategic mission, with a challenge prize as its north star, will help transform this theoretical advantage into a real one.
The challenge prize could reward innovators for hitting key milestones in technology development and testing on earth – proving through virtual and physical testing that their technology works in principle, before being invited to complete a high-stakes in-orbit demonstration using four satellites.
For instance, a possible prize design could unfold over four years:
This prize idea is designed to be a conversation starter, so tell us what you think!
The best prize ideas are developed through extensive research and engagement with experts, stakeholders and people with lived experience of the problems they are focused on. We start with a first draft like the one above – then work to improve, refine and validate our thinking.
We’re particularly keen to have conversations about this idea with potential funders and organisations working in the field. Get in touch if you’re interested – or if you think you have a better idea – and we’ll schedule a call.
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