ENTER2020 eTourism Conference presentation

1. AI robotics for sustainable space exploitation
Professor Yang Gao FIET FRAeS
Professor of Space Autonomous Systems, Head of STAR LAB, Surrey Space Centre
Associate Dean (International), Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences
University of Surrey
@ENTER2020 Conference, Guildford, UK, January 2020

2. [1] Yang Gao, et. al., UK-RAS Network White Paper on Space Robotics & Autonomous Systems, 2018. https://www.ukras.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/UK_RAS_wp_Space_080518.pdf
AI enabled robotics will help diversify mobility and increase onboard autonomy for future space systems
Space AI Robotics “Roadmap”

3. Landscape in “Orbital” Scenario
Credit: ESA
Non-
cooperative
target
Credit: NASA
Cooperative target
Free-flying platform
Credit: Tohuku Uni
Pseudo-fixed platform
Credit: NASA
• Many on-orbit applications requiring advanced AI
robotics capabilities, in 2025-2035 timeframe.
• UK to position itself now to develop and
demonstrate relevant capabilities required.
• Mission focuses envisaged:
o Clean Space (debris removal)
o Satellite servicing
o On-orbit assembly / deployment
o Constellations
o Physical / topographical reconfiguration of satellites
for lifetime extension / mission adaptability
o Reduction of satellite costs
[1] Yang Gao, et. al., UK-RAS Network White Paper on Space Robotics & Autonomous Systems, 2018. https://www.ukras.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/UK_RAS_wp_Space_080518.pdf

4. Landscape in “Planetary” Scenario
Manufacturing, assembling (2030+):
Heterogenous robotic elements building infrastructure.
Sample Return (2020+)
Sample fetch rover exploring an unstructured terrain and
collecting subsurface samples.
In-Situ Resource Utilization, Moon Village, Commercial
Lunar Exploration (2030+)
Human-robot eco-system around south pole of the
Moon
[1] Yang Gao, et. al., UK-RAS Network White Paper on Space Robotics & Autonomous Systems, 2018. https://www.ukras.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/UK_RAS_wp_Space_080518.pdf

5. IROS.TV feature film on STAR LAB

6. Thank You
Web: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/surrey-space-centre/research-groups/star-lab
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SpaceAutonomy/