This project seeks to develop new methods, techniques, and algorithms for challenging spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) problems. Specifically, new approaches are being developed for (1) autonomous spacecraft relative-motion guidance and navigation approaches for rendezvous & proximity operations missions; (2) advanced attitude estimation & control algorithms for control-moment gyro, reaction wheel, and thruster-actuated spacecraft systems; (3) analysis and development of techniques for networked autonomous spacecraft performing collaborative missions such as geolocation of terrestrial search and rescue beacons or coordinated inspection of proximity spacecraft; and (d) image-based relative navigation and pose/feature extraction algorithms enabling rendezvous and proximity operations missions. Research proposals that address one or more of these topics from a theoretical or experimental point of view are of interest. This research can use the experimental facilities at AFRL, including a spherical air bearing attitude control and determination testbed, image-based spacecraft navigation facilities, rendezvous & proximity operations simulation capabilities, and autonomous multi-spacecraft testbeds.

 

References

Baldwin M, Erwin RS, Kolmanovsky IV: Proceedings of the AIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Confermce, AIAA 2013: 4721, Boston, MA, August 2013

Hussein II, Sorrentino F, Erwin RS: Proceedings of the American Control Confernce: 396, Washington, DC, June 2013

Weiss A, et al: Proceedings of the American Control Confernce: 4809, Washington, DC, June 2013

Luna JM, Abdallah CT, Erwin RS: Proceedings of the American Control Confernce 3925: Montreal, Canada, June 2012

Allgeier SE, Erwin RS, Fitz-Coy NG: Proceedings of the 22^nd AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, AAS 12 – 152: 763, Charleston, SC, January 2012

 

key words

Estimation; Navigation; Guidance; Control; Spacecraft; Satellites; Robotics; Image processing; Networked control; Coordinated control; Autonomous systems;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants

Additional Benefits

Relocation

Awardees who reside more than 50 miles from their host laboratory and remain on tenure for at least six months are eligible for paid relocation to within the vicinity of their host laboratory.

Health insurance

A group health insurance program is available to awardees and their qualifying dependents in the United States.