New DARPA challenge: develop algorithms for controlling satellites

March 8, 2012
DARPAspheres

Bowling-ball sized satellites called SPHERES (Synchronized Position, Hold, Engage, and Reorient Experimental Satellites) (credit: DARPA)

DARPA is looking for teams or individuals to develop unique algorithms to control small satellites on board the International Space Station, Network World Layer 8 reports..

DARPA’s Zero Robotics Autonomous Space Capture Challenge, kicking off March 28, wants skilled programmers from around the world to develop a fuel-optimal control algorithm.

The algorithm must enable a satellite to accomplish a feat that’s very difficult to do autonomously: capture a satellite that’s tumbling, spinning or moving in the opposite direction, the agency stated.

DARPA’s Phoenix program aims to develop technologies that could one day help new spacecraft harvest and re-use valuable components from retired, nonworking satellites in geosynchronous orbit. DARPA says there are some 1,300 satellites worth over $300B sitting out in Earth’s geostationary orbit (GEO) that could be retrofitted or harvested for new communications roles.