Space artificial intelligence (AI) comprehensive solution corporations TelePIX said on the 30th that it successfully completed the initial demonstration test of a next-generation AI star tracker for deep-space navigation, co-developed with optical solutions specialist corporations LK SAMYANG.
The next-generation AI star tracker for deep-space navigation is a system that enables autonomous navigation missions in deep-space environments where support from ground stations is limited, based on images taken of the positions of stars and planets. By combining an ultra-compact wide-field camera with a high-performance image-processing algorithm, it observes the relative positions of celestial bodies such as stars and planets and, based on that, allows the satellite to calculate its exact position and orbit on its own.
TelePIX, which oversaw the entire project including development and testing, has confirmed the normal operation of the star tracker since its launch in June and completed securing data for estimating satellite attitude and speed. By verifying that the right ascension and declination of the satellite's attitude direction and rotational speed, obtained by analyzing images captured by the star tracker, match GPS information, it confirmed that the core function of estimating the satellite's attitude and speed is operating normally.
TelePIX and LK SAMYANG plan to pursue full-scale mass production and commercialization after further demonstrations and advancements to apply the next-generation AI star tracker for deep-space navigation to actual deep-space navigation satellites. TelePIX is also devising a business model that leverages image-matching navigation technology, as well as data on stars and planets observed by the star tracker and algorithms and know-how for recognizing stars.
TelePIX Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Kim Seong-hee, executive vice president, said, "The success of the on-orbit test of the AI star tracker for deep-space navigation proves that we have secured autonomous navigation technology, which plays a key role in deep-space exploration, through domestic in-house capabilities," and added, "Through mass production and commercialization going forward, we will also contribute to invigorating the private sector–led deep-space exploration industry and strengthening domestic technological capabilities."
LK SAMYANG Director Jo Il-hee, head of the B2B division, said, "As we broaden the application scope of our long-accumulated optical solutions technology to various industrial fields, the successful demonstration test of the AI star tracker for deep-space navigation has verified our optical lens manufacturing technology for use in space environments and marked the start of our full-fledged entry into the aerospace sector."