NetSat - Pioneering Research in Formation Control

07.02.2020

Titelseite der Januar Ausgabe des Luft- und Raumfahrt Magazins der DLR

NetSat is to demonstrate for the first time the self-organization of several satellites in three-dimensional space within the framework of a formation in orbit. To this end, important new technologies for formation control and coordination are being researched. This will then open up innovative perspectives for future sensor networks in space for Earth observation, such as three-dimensional images of the Earth’s surface and computer tomography methods for looking inside clouds.

Our special page on the Netsat Launch event can be found here: www.telematik-zentrum.de/en/projects/ns_launch/.

Supported by an ERC Advanced Grant

Prof. Dr. Klaus Schilling (Univ. Würzburg) received this highest valued European research award for individual scientists from the European Research Council in 2012 and realized this pioneering research at ZfT as host institution, owing to its outstanding test environment for multi-satellite systems.

The in-orbit formation tests were also funded by the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy as part of the ForTe project.

Detailed Description

Funktionstest der Elektronikplatinen — Integration of a NetSat satellite at Zentrum fuer Telematik

Einsatz von kollaborativer Robotik in der Satellitenfertigung — *Use of collaborative robotics in satellite manufacturing*

As part of NetSat, four Cubesats (with a mass of only 4 kg) were developed with the necessary miniaturized subsystems to allow operations in the form of a self-organizing formation; examples include advanced systems for attitude determination and control, orbit determination, telecommunication, electrical propulsion for orbit control and formation maintenance, in particular also distributed, adaptive control systems related to self-organisation in orbit. This mission realizes, for the first time worldwide, a formation flight of satellites in a three-dimensional configuration. This enables potential innovative future applications in Earth observation.

The four NetSat satellites were placed in a low-earth orbit by a Soyuz rocket on September 28, 2020. Further information about the rocket launch and the livestream can be found here: NetSat Launch Event.

The earth as seen from a Netsat satellite — *First images of NetSat from orbit at 575 km altitude.*

*The African Mediterranean coast as well as the Strait of Gibraltar recorded by NetSat-2 in November 2020.*

Videos and Podcast

Video Formationsflug 1: Transfer from Cartwheel 3:1 to Cartwheel Helix Formation

Video Formationsflug 2: Transfer from Tetrahedron to Cartwheel 3:1 Formation

Wueconomics Podcast: Disruptive satellite technologies & internet of space

Munich Aerospace: Kleine, vernetzte, kooperierende Satelliten (in German)

Skoltech Colloquium: Small Satellite Formations with Prof Schilling (English)

Bayerischer Rundfunk Hörfunk Bayern Plus: NetSat-Kleinst-Satelliten zur Klimaerforschung (in German)

Reports on Netsat

Aerospace - Spotlight on ERC projects: Satellites: small is beautiful

EU Horizons Magazine: Fleets of autonomous satellites to coordinate tasks among themselves

Research*eu Magazines: Advancing the feasibility of self-organising small satellite formations

ERC Webpage: Small, but cooperative: the future of spacecraft systems

VDI-Nachrichten 18.5.2020 Satelliten im Formationsflug

Wirtschaft in Mainfranken, August 2020 Innovative Sensornetze in 600 Kilometer Höhe

Elektroniknet 26.05.2020: Sensor networks of satellites

Information for radio amateurs

Description of the NetSat Radio Beacon NetSat OBC Beacon Definition Revision 001B

Further Interesting Links

Universität Würzburg
Lehrstuhl für Robotik und Telematik

Innovative Earth Observation
TIM - Telematics International Mission
CloudCT - View into the interior of clouds

Funding

This project was funded by the European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant. Link to EU page.

Contact

For further information please contact us at: email

Publications (show) Publications (hide)

Formations of Small Setellites

Klaus Schilling
R.A. De Carvalho, J. Estella, M. Langer (eds.), Nanosatellites, John Wiley & Sons, 2020
(2020)
p. 327-339

Combining Distributed Consensus with Robust H#-Control for Satellite Formation Flying

Julian Scharnagl, Florian Kempf, Klaus Schilling
Electronics Vol. 8/Issue 3, MDPI AG Switzerland (2019)
(2019)
p. 319

Internet of Space - Weltweit verbunden

Klaus Schilling
VDI ATZextra, Dezember 2019
(2019)
p. 46-48

Control of Multi-Picosatellite Systems: Tiny Scripting Language and Multi-Layer Compass Protocol

S. Dombrovski, Prof. K. Schilling
Proceedings of SpaceOps 2018, AIAA (2018)
(2018)

Model Predictive Control for Continuous Low Thrust Satellite Formation Flying

J. Scharnagl, P. Kremmydas & K. Schilling
Proceedings of the IFAC Workshop on Networked & Autonomous Air & Space Systems, IFAC (2018)
(2018)

UNIFORM, MULTI-LEVEL PROTOCOL FOR GROUND AND SPACE SEGMENT OPERATIONS AND TESTING

Slavi Dombrovski, Oliver Ruf , Klaus Schilling
Proceedings of $S Symposium, ESA (2018)
(2018)

An Architecture for Integrated Timeline Planning and Model-based execution

T. Nogueira, S. Fratini
Workshop on Integrated Execution of Planning and Acting - 27th International Conference on Automated Planning and Scheduling (ICAPS), ICAPS (2017)
(2017)

Autonomously controlling flexible timelines: From domain-independent planning to robust execution

Tiago Nogueira, Simone Fratini, Klaus Schilling
2017 IEEE Aerospace Conference, IEEE (2017)
(2017)
p. 1-15

Big Data – Big Testing? Challenges and Novel Approaches for Testing Large Numbers of Small Satellites

O. Ruf, S. Busch, K. Schilling
Proceedings of the AIAA/USU Conference on Small Satellites American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (2017)
(2017)

Challenges and Novel Approaches for Testing Large Numbers of Small Satellites

O. Ruf, S. Busch and K. Schilling
Proceedings of 68th International Astronautical Congress, IAC (2017)
(2017)

Challenges and Novel Approaches for Testing Large Numbers of Small Satellites

O. Ruf, S. Busch, S. Dombrovski, K. Schilling
Proceedings of the 68th International Astronautical Congress International Astronautical Federation (2017)
(2017)

Identification of the orbit semi-major axis using frequency properties of on board magnetic field measurements

P. Zagorski , P. Bangert , A. Gallina
Aerospace Science and Technology, Vol. 66, Elsevier Masson SAS Italy (2017)
(2017)
p. 380-391

In-Orbit Database and Distributed Computing based on Tiny 2 Language

S. Dombrovski, K. Schilling
68th International Astronautical Congress 2017, IAF (2017)
(2017)

Integrated framework for high fidelity simulation of distributed systems of satellites and ground vehicles

Andreas Freimann, Florian Kempf, Olliver Ruf, Julian Scharnagl, Klaus Schilling
Proceedings of the 68th International Astronautical Congress, IAF (2017)
(2017)

Integrating Modelling and Knowledge Representation for Combined Task, Resource and Path Planning in Robotics

S. Fratini, T. Nogueira, N. Policella
Workshop on Knowledge Engineering for Planning and Scheduling - 27th International Conference on Automated Planning and Scheduling (ICAPS), ICAPS (2017)
(2017)

Monitoring and control of the NetSat formation: concepts and tools for operations of multi-satellite systems

T. Nogueira, S. Dombrovski, S. Busch, A. Gasparyan, K. Schilling
68th International Astronautical Congress 2017, IAF (2017)
(2017)

Perspectives for miniaturized, distributed, networked cooperating systems for space exploration

Klaus Schilling
Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Vol. 90 (2017)
Elsevier, Netherlands (2017)
p. 118-124

Planning and Execution to Support Goal-based Operations for NetSat: a Study

T. Nogueira, S. Fratini, K. Schilling
International Workshop on Planning and Scheduling for Space, IWPSS (2017)
(2017)

Spacecraft Autonomous Reaction Capabilities, Control Approaches, and Self-aware Computing

Klaus Schilling, Jürgen Walter, Samuel Kounev
Self-Aware Computing Systems, Springer International Publishing (2017)
Cham , Germany (2017)
p. 687

Uniform, Multi-Level Compass protocol for the NetSat Formation Flying Mission systems

S.Dombrovski, T. Nogueira, K.Schilling
68th International Astronautical Congress 2017, IAF (2017)
(2017)

Use of full-frame sensors for height estimation of volcanic clouds

K. Zakšek, K. Schilling, T. Tzschichholz, M. Hort
European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2017, EGU (2017)
(2017)

Use of full-frame sensors for height estimation of volcanic clouds

K. Zakšek, K. Schilling, T. Tzschichholz, M. Hort
European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2017, EGU (2017)
(2017)

X-Band Kommunikation für Autonome CubeSat Formationen

Roland Haber, Stephan Busch, Norbert Niklasch, Klaus Schilling
Deutscher Luft- und Raumfahrtkongress 2017, DGLR (2017)
(2017)

A Comparison of Scheduling Algorithms for Low Cost Ground Station Networks

A. Kleinschrodt, N. Reed, K. Schilling
Proceedings 67th international Astronautical Congress, IAC (2016)
(2016)

Advanced Robotic Automation Technologies for Multi-Satellite System Production

K. Schilling
Proceedings 67th international Astronautical Congress, IAC (2016)
(2016)

Applicability of delay tolerant networking to distributed satellite systems

A. Freimann, T. Tzschichholz, M. Schmidt, A. Kleinschrodt, K. Schilling
CEAS Aeronautical Journal, Vol. 8/Issue 4 Council of European Aerospace Societies (2016)
(2016)
p. 323-332

Disruptive Technology Potential of Small Satellites

K. Schilling, M. Dowling
Proceedings 4S-Conference ESA 2016
(2016)

Guidance, Navigation, and Control for Future Miniature Satellite Formations: Current Limitations and Impending Advancements

P. Bangert, S. Busch, A. Kramer, K. Schilling
IFAC Conference + Symposium, IFAC (2016)
(2016)

Industry 4.0 Approaches for Production of Large Quantities of Satellites

K. Schilling
Proceedings 67th international Astronautical Congress, IAC (2016)
(2016)

Introducing Compass protocol for inspace, real-time distributed computing and ground station access points

S. Dombrovski, J. Bahr
66th International Astronautical Congress 2015 Digitala Vetenskapliga Arkivet (DiVa), (2016)
(2016)

Moderne Kleinstsatelliten – Zwischen Robustheit, Flexibilität und Effizienz

Stephan Busch
Faszination Technik und Naturwissenschaften – Ausgezeichnete Forschungsbeiträge 2015, (2016)
(2016)
p. 36-45

Performing High-Quality Science on CubeSats

T. H. Zurbuchen, R. von Steiger, S. Bartalev, X. Dong, M. Falanga, R. Fléron, A. Gregorio, T. S. Horbury, D. Klumpar, M. Küppers, M. Macdonald, R. Millan, A. Petrukovich, K. Schilling, J. Wu, and J. Yan
Advances in Space Research 196, Elsevier Limited (2016)
(2016)
p. 10-35

Perspectives in small satellite formations for earth observaton

K. Schilling, K. Zaksek
4S Symposium ESA 2016
(2016)

Photogrammetric ash cloud observations by small satellite formations

T. Nogueira, S. Dombrovski, S. Busch, K. Schilling, K. Zaksek, M. Hort
2016 IEEE Metrology for Aerospace (MetroAeroSpace), IEEE (2016)
(2016)
p. 450-455

Safe Near Range Navigation Based on 3D Time-of-Flight Cameras

K. Schilling, J. Scharnagl,
Proceedings of the 13th International Symposium on Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Automation in Space, ESA (2016)
(2016)

Scaling-up Autonomy for Scaleddown Systems

T. Nogueira, K. Schilling
IAA Book Series: Small Satellites – Programs, Missions, Technologies and Applications (2016)
(2016)
p. 3-16

Standardization Approaches for Efficient Electrical Interfaces of Cube Sats

Stephan Busch, Klaus Schilling
Proceedings of the 4S Symposium Small Satellites Systems and Services 2016, ESA (2016)
(2016)

UWE-4: Advances in the Attitude and Orbit Control of a Pico-Satellite

P. Bangert, S. Dombrovski, A. Kramer, K. Schilling
4S Symposium ESA/CNES (2016)
(2016)

UWE-4: Orbit Determination and Control on a Pico-Satellite scale

P. Bangert, S. Dombrovski, A. Kramer, K. Schilling
IAA Book Series: Small Satellites – Programs, Missions, Technologies and Applications (2016)
(2016)
p. 49-58

Attitude Control of UWE-4 for Orbit Correction During Formation Flying

P. Bangert, S. Dadhich, K. Schilling
Joint Conference of 30th ISTS, 34th IEPC, and 6th NSat, IAA (2015)
(2015)

Autonomous Collision Avoidance for Rendezvous and Docking in Space Using Photonic Mixer Devices

J. Scharnagl, L. Srinivasan, K. Ravandoor, K. Schilling
Proceedings of the 1st IFAC Workshop on Advanced Control and Navigation for Autonomous Aerospace Vehicles, IFAC (2015)
(2015)

Creating Ground Segment Software based on Fire Framework

S. Dombrovski
8th Pico- and Nanosatellite Workshop, University of Würzburg, IAA (2015)
(2015)

Evaluation of a Delay-Tolerant Networking Approach for Inter-Satellite Communication in LEO for Time Sensitive Traffic Monitoring

A. Freimann, A. Kleinschrodt, K. Schilling, H. Doebler, B. Scheuermann
10th IAA Symposium on Small Satellites for Earth Observation International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), (2015)
(2015)

In-Orbit Performance of the Pico-Satellite UWE-3

P. Bangert, S. Busch, K. Schilling
10th IAA Symposium on Small Satellites for Earth Observation IAA (2015)
(2015)

Innovation Potential by Small Satellites for Spacecraft Design

Klaus Schilling
6th International Conference on Space Technology Innovation International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), (2015)
(2015)

Introduction of a new sandbox interpreter approach for advanced satellite operations and safe on-board code execution

S. Dombrovski, P. Bangert
66th International Astronautical Congress 2015, IAF (2015)
(2015)

KOOPERIERENDE VERTEILTE PICO-SATELLITENSYSTEME

Klaus Schilling
DWT Forum Unmanned Vehicles,(2015)
(2015)

NanoFEEP on UWE platform - Formation Flying of CubeSats using Miniaturized Field Emission Electric Propulsion Thrusters

D. Bock, A. Kramer, P. Bangert, K. Schilling and M. Tajmar
Proceedings of the Joint Conference of 30th International Symposium on Space Technology and Science N/A (2015)
(2015)

NetSat: A four pico/nano-satellite mission for demonstration of autonomous formation flying

K. Schilling, et al.
Proceedings of the 66th International Astronautical Congress International Astronautical Federation (IAF), (2015)
(2015)

Orbit design and control for satellite clusters and its application to a fournano-satellite system

L. Zhou, T. Nogueira, K. Schilling, J. Luo
8th International Workshop on Satellite Constellations and Formation Flying, IAF (2015)
(2015)

Performance Characteristics of the UWE-3 Miniature Attitude Determination and Control System

P. Bangert, S. Busch, K. Schilling
2nd International Academy of Astronautics Conference on Dynamics and Control of Space Systems (DyCoSS) American Astronautical Society, (2015)
(2015)

Small Satellite Formations for Earth Observation and Telecommunication

Klaus Schilling
6th International Conference on Space Technology Innovation International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), (2015)
(2015)

Structural Design, Integration of Micro Propulsion units and Thermal Analysis of UWE (University of Wurzburg’s Experimental Satellites) Platform

R. Arunkumar, P. Bangert, D. Bock, M. Pietzka, M. Tajmar, K. Schilling
6th European Conference for Aeronautics and Space Sciences (EUCASS) European Conference for Aeronautics and Space Sciences, (2015)
(2015)

THE UWE-ROADMAP TO PICOSATELLITE FORMATION FLYING: IN-ORBIT EXPERIENCES

Klaus Schilling
IWSCFF 2015 International Astronautical Federation (IAF), (2015)
(2015)

UWE - Lessons Learned and Future Perspectives

P. Bangert, S. Busch, S. Dombrovski, A. Kramer
3rd IAA Conference on University Satellite Missions and CubeSat Workshop, Rome IAA (2015)
Rome, Italy (2015)

UWE-3, in-orbit performance and lessons learned of a modular and flexible satellite bus for future picosatellite formations

S. Busch, P. Bangert, S. Dombrovski, K. Schilling
Acta Astronautica Vol. 117, Elsevier Limited United Kingdom (2015)
(2015)
p. 73-89

Winzlinge im Orbit

K. Schilling
altlasten spektrum Mai/2015, Erich Schmidt Verlag GmbH & Co. KG (2015)
Berlin, Germany (2015)
p. 48-51

Approaches for Efficient Global Ground Station Networks for Multiple Small Satellites

S. Dombrovski
Second UNISEC-Global Meeting, Unisec Global (2014)
(2014)

n-Orbit Performance and Lessons Learned of a Modular and Flexible Satellite Bus for Future Picosatellite Formations

S. Busch, P. Bangert, S. Dombrovski, K. Schilling
65. IAC Congress International Astronautical Federation (IAF) (2014)
(2014)

Networked Control of Cooperating Distributed Pico-Satellites

Klaus Schilling
IFAC Proceedings Volumes (IFAC-PapersOnline), Vol. 47/Issue 3, IFAC Secretariat Austria (2014)
(2014)
p. 7960-7964

Technology Developments for Pico-Satellite Formations and Their Application Potential in Space Weather and Earth Observations

Klaus Schilling, Tiago Nogueira, Ali Kheirkhah, Tristan Tzschichholz
Proceedings IAA RACTS, Conference Samara 2014, Samara State Aerospace University (2014)
(2014)

TOWARDS PICO-SATELLITE FORMATION FLYING: THE UWE-3 IN-ORBIT EXPERIENCES

Klaus Schilling
65. IAC Congress International Astronautical Federation (IAF) (2014)
(2014)

Contact:

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Telefon: +49 (0)931 615 633-10
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