Space-ng Introduces AstroVision at Silicon Valley Space Week

Space-ng Introduces AstroVision at Silicon Valley Space Week
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 23, 2024

Space-ng has unveiled AstroVision at Silicon Valley Space Week, a computer vision system aimed at revolutionizing spacecraft navigation. AstroVision integrates advanced optical sensors, a powerful neural engine, and machine learning algorithms to provide precise navigation data-quaternions and state vectors-without relying on GPS or radio communications. This innovative solution supports Alternative Position, Navigation, and Timing (Alt PNT) for cislunar spaceflight, lunar orbit, and landing operations.

The company, co-founded by space industry veteran Steve Bailey, former CEO of Deep Space Systems, and robotics expert Ethan Rublee, aims to enhance autonomous space operations. Space-ng's optical navigation software will soon launch on Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lunar lander, offering features like terrain-relative navigation, hazard detection, and attitude determination from lunar orbit to the surface.

AstroVision merges Space-ng's vision-based navigation software with newly developed space-ready hardware, including an 8-core CPU, an Image Signal Processor (ISP), Digital Signal Processor (DSP), GPU, and an AI/Neural Network Engine. The system is customizable, supporting up to eight high-resolution imagers, each optimized with sensors and optics based on user needs. The imagers can be positioned up to 6 meters from the central computing unit.

Precision optical navigation is crucial for missions operating in GPS-denied environments, but current solutions require complex integration of multiple sensors and extensive spacecraft resources. AstroVision simplifies this process by providing comprehensive coverage without the need for complex spacecraft maneuvers or conventional tools like star trackers or sun sensors. Using both bright objects like the Sun, Earth, and Moon, as well as dimmer celestial objects, AstroVision delivers precise navigation solutions.

Each AstroVision imager offers user-configurable fields of view, 12 Mpixel resolution, 6 Gbps bandwidth, and internal Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), all at a lightweight 150 grams per imager.

AstroVision hardware is now available for order, with educational unit (EDU) hardware deliveries in Q1 2025 and first flight hardware in Q3 2025. The system supports a wide range of applications, from scientific imaging and video documentation to spacecraft automation tasks like rendezvous, assembly, and space situational awareness. Its open architecture allows for flexibility in software development, with customers able to license Space-ng's flight software or create their own solutions.

"AstroVision represents a paradigm shift in space navigation," said Steve Bailey. "At Space Week, we're excited to demonstrate how redefining the spacecraft block diagram will accelerate space system development and improve system efficiency."

The AstroVision system offers complete lifecycle support, from design to mission operations, including real-time simulation, electrical ground support, command and telemetry systems, and over-the-air updates. Space-ng provides integration support, ensuring mission success.

"Optical navigation is critical when precise maneuvering is needed in environments without GPS," said Will Coogan, Chief Engineer at Firefly Aerospace. "We chose Space-ng for our Blue Ghost mission because their software provides precise landing solutions that avoid hazardous obstacles on the lunar surface. We look forward to continued collaboration with Space-ng on future lunar missions."