The collaborative research initiative called SCARLET-α, which stands for Spacecraft Autonomy and Onboard AI for Next Generation Space Systems, will unite eight SmartSat partners including two other universities – the Swinburne University of Technology, and University of South Australia (UniSA). This three-year project aims to advance spacecraft autonomy and onboard artificial intelligence for future space systems.
The primary objective of SCARLET-α is to develop a suite of autonomous algorithms that empower small and distributed spacecraft to autonomously make decisions, optimise resource utilisation and capabilities, adapt to dynamic circumstances, and manage critical situations without the need for intervention from Earth.
Within SCARLET-α, the project will concentrate on crucial aspects of spacecraft autonomy and onboard AI, identified, and prioritised in collaboration with industry and defence partners. These areas include:
- Enhancing onboard processing capabilities to generate actionable intelligence.
- Enhancing the resilience of small spacecraft and constellations.
- Developing algorithms for dynamic optimisation of constellation resources.
- Enabling real-time tasking and allocation of resources.
According to the CEO of SmartSat, the SCARLET-α project aims to advance the capabilities of onboard processing in spacecraft. Traditionally, onboard processing has been limited to data collection, but the researchers involved in the project are hopeful that the developed algorithms will enable spacecraft to perform various tasks with minimal intervention from human operators.
As autonomous technologies continue to evolve and gain acceptance, their role in space exploration will expand, opening up new possibilities for applications on Earth. The integration of autonomous satellite constellations operating in real time is envisioned to revolutionise satellite communications and Earth observation.
These AI-enabled technologies hold the potential to transform key sectors of the economy, including agriculture, farming, mining, as well as enhance defence and national security objectives.
The funding for this initiative is made possible through the Federal Government CRC Program Australia, which enables the development of state-of-the-art space autonomy technologies. SmartSat is well-positioned to advance Australia’s spacecraft autonomy capabilities, ensuring the nation remains innovative and at the forefront of technological advancements in the field of space systems.
The Chair of Artificial Intelligence at UniSA STEM and the SmartSat CRC, who leads the project, emphasises the significance of spacecraft autonomy in the next generation of space systems. He highlights that autonomous spacecraft capable of independent operation without relying on ground contact will have the ability to promptly respond to unforeseen events in real time, eliminating the need to wait for commands from Earth.
This autonomy is expected to enhance Australia’s remote sensing capabilities and improve essential services conducted in space, enabling further advancements in orbital exploration.
Moreover, the spacecraft autonomy will contribute to increased responsiveness and continuity of space-based observations, while minimising communication and data access delays. Additionally, it is anticipated that this advancement will lead to reduced costs in both space and ground operations.
The SCARLET-α project serves as the flagship initiative within the SCARLET lab (laboratory), established by SmartSat. The lab is a dedicated SmartSat initiative that focuses on the development of innovative technologies in spacecraft autonomy, on-board Artificial Intelligence (AI), and data analytics.
By providing a collaborative platform, the lab facilitates the integration of researchers and industry experts to drive advancements in autonomy and generate practical results for both defence and civil applications. Ultimately, the lab’s efforts aim to enable Australia’s future space missions by fostering the development of cutting-edge technologies.