Obruta Space Solutions Corp.|Obruta Space Solutions Corp.

Purpose

Current spacecraft docking systems are large and require lots of power due to the sensors used. This project develops modern monocular computer vision algorithms utilizing a combination of classical methods and artificial intelligence which enables the use of lightweight, inexpensive, and less power-intensive optical sensors when compared to Lidar and Radar sensors used in traditional spacecraft docking systems. The harsh lighting of the space environment reduces the reliability of vision-based systems. New algorithms and applied machine learning techniques are used to overcome such major challenges of vision-based spacecraft relative navigation systems. The development of such a system builds on Canada’s extensive heritage of spacecraft docking systems and has potential Earth-based applications with autonomous drones, manufacturing, agriculture robotics, and more. This project will create jobs for three highly qualified personnel and help situate Canada as an autonomy leader within the space sector.