Engineering Autonomous Space Software
From EASS
Contents |
Overview
The Engineering Autonomous Space Software project is an EPSRC-funded collaboration between Computer Science researchers at the University of Liverpool and Autonomous Control Systems and Astronautics researchers at the University of Southampton.
- Michael Fisher [PI], Alexei Lisitsa
- Sandor Veres [PI], Steve Gabriel
Researchers
Two post-doctoral researchers will be working on this project:
Aims
In this project we aim to tackle the general problem of engineering autonomous space systems (EASS). In particular, we are concerned with developing a new declarative programming methodology that will allow the control software for multiple, interacting, autonomous satellites to be produced in a clear, high-level way. The practicality of the methodology is to be demonstrated by programming hardware in a ground-based multi-satellite testbed.
The main objectives of the project are as follows.
- To develop a rational agent theory (and architecture), with the ability to carry out predictive modelling of continuous time (or variable sampling rate) phenomena, and to use these in planning.
- To augment this agent architecture with the ability to undertake multi-resolution and multi-layered modelling in order to reduce the time it takes for an agent to find a solution using its predictive modelling capabilities.
- To develop a declarative agent programming theory, and a practical language, that can handle real world modelling and control by the agents.
- To demonstrate the methodology on the Southampton Spacecraft Autonomy Testing (SAT) Facility. A rendezvous demonstration will be produced, involving 2 vehicles: active chaser and passive/active target, and demo will be extended (in simulation where needed) to more than 2 vehicles for future missions such as XEUS and PROBA-3.
Outputs
Papers
- Nicholas Lincoln , Sandor Veres , Louise Dennis , Michael Fisher and Alexei Lisitsa. An Agent Based Framework for Adaptive Control and Decision Making of Autonomous Vehicles. Adaptation and Learning in Control and Signal Processing (ALCOSP 2010), 2010.
- Louise Dennis, Michael Fisher, Alexei Lisitsa, Nicholas Lincoln, Sandor Veres. Satellite Control Using Rational Agent Programming. IEEE Intelligent Systems 25 (3), pp. 92-97, IEEE Computer Society, 2010.
- Louise A. Dennis, Michael Fisher, Nicholas K. Lincoln, Alexei Lisitsa, and Sandor M. Veres. Reducing Code Complexity in Hybrid Autonomous Control Systems. The 10th International Symposium on Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Automation in Space (iSAIRAS 2010). To Appear.
- Louise A. Dennis, Michael Fisher, Nicholas K. Lincoln, Alexei Lisitsa, and Sandor M. Veres. Declarative Abstractions for Agent Based Hybrid Control Systems. Proceedings of Declarative Agent Languages and Technologies (DALT 10), 2010.
- Louise A. Dennis, Michael Fisher, Nicholas Lincoln, Alexei Lisitsa, Sandor M. Veres. Agent Based Approaches to Engineering Autonomous Space Software. Proceedings FM-09 Workshop on Formal Methods for Aerospace, Eindhoven, 3rd November 2009 pp. 63-68. EPTCS 20, The Computing Research Repository.
Media
- Asteroid Mission (Video) Satellites exploring an Asteroid Field.
- Geostationary Orbit (Video) A satellites moving into position in Geostationary Orbit.
- Low Earth Orbit (Video) Three satellites moving into formation in Low Earth Orbit.
- Mission Aspects (Video) Hardware simulation of two satellites performing various tasks.
- Replanning Motion (Video) Hardware simulation of a satellite moving to position and correcting if knocked off course.
Project Details
- Project duration: 42 months
- Start date: 1st Dec 2008
- EPSRC grant references
- Liverpool - EP/F037201/1
- Southampton - EP/F037570/1
Relevant Links
- shared citeulike group
