This project seeks to develop novel methods, techniques and algorithms for challenging spacecraft guidance, navigation control and autonomy (GNC) problems. Specifically, new approaches are being developed for (a) cooperative safe autonomous spacecraft relative-motion guidance and navigation approaches for rendezvous and proximity operations, (b) efficient distributed task allocation algorithms for optimal or near-optimal task assignment and control, (c) robust and resilient networked communications and data distribution algorithms, (d) verification and validation techniques for nonlinear/multi-mode satellite control algorithms, and (e) coordinated vision-based feature reconstruction, pose estimation and/or relative navigation. Research proposals that address one or more of these topics from a theoretical or experimental perspective are of interest. This research can make use of the experimental facilities at AFRL/RV, including a cooperative multi-agent systems laboratory. 

Additional Benefits

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.

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