Embedded Files
Adelaide University's Cloud-based Orbital Robotics Laboratory (COROL) is a state‑of‑the‑art orbital robotics testing facility that can emulate space-based rendezvous and proximity operation (RPO) flight dynamics right here on Earth. By combining robotic manipulation, realistic illumination and display simulation, tight environmental control, and high‑precision motion tracking, COROL can emulate the motion, lighting, and sensor conditions a spacecraft will face in orbit.
COROL is the first of its kind in Australia to deliver an end-to-end solution for ground-based validation of spacecraft perception algorithms. The facility is developed via a collaboration between Adelaide's AI for Space Group, Space Machines Company, Defence Trailblazer and SmartSat CRC's Scarlet Laboratory.
Hardware-in-the-loop testing
Hardware-in-the-loop testing
Spacecraft perception and guidance, navigation and control (GNC) algorithms can be embedded in the RPO simulation to verify their operation. This weeds out potential mistakes and derisks the application of the algorithms in real RPO missions. Note that HITL testing and validation is a necessary step in standard mission development lifecycles.
Data collection for AI
Data collection for AI
Inside the tightly controlled environment, a suite of high‑resolution cameras, depth sensors, and neuromorphic sensors capture target appearance under varying illumination, motion blur, and dynamic‑range conditions. Motion capture systems provide ground truth relative positions and motion. With this data, we can validate machine learning models for spacecraft perception.
Mission support
Mission support
As a partner in the ASA-funded Space MAITRI mission, Adelaide's AI for Space Group will be contributing its world-leading expertise in spacecraft perception and onboard machine learning. COROL will play a central role in the validation and TRL uplifting of the MAITRI payloads and algorithms.
Beyond Space MAITRI, COROL can support on-orbit servicing (OOS) missions including orbital inspection, space debris removal, in-space refuelling and maintenance, and space-based space domain awareness (SBSDA). Please contact us if you think we can serve your needs.
People and expertise
People and expertise
COROL is developed and maintained by Adelaide's AI for Space Group, led by Prof Tat-Jun Chin. The key researchers and collaborators are:
Mr Mohsi Jawaid, Research Associate
Dr Marcus Märtens, Senior Research Associate
Mr Kevin Farries, Research Associate
Dr Yasir Latif, Senior Research Associate
Dr Carl Seubert, SmartSat CRC's Scarlet Lab
Dr Hai-Tan Tran, Defence Science and Technology Group
Tooling and equipment
Tooling and equipment
Sun simulators (ARRI M18 and ARRI M90).
Controlled dark chamber.
Motion capture and real-time monitoring.
Multi-sensor calibration and data capture with synchronised ground-truth.
Spacecraft mock-up fabrication (3D modelling and printing facilities).
Multiple supported programming APIs including Python and C++.
Location and remote operation
Location and remote operation
COROL is located in the Exterres CRATER (Covered Regolith Analogue Terrain for Experimental Research) facility in Adelaide University's Roseworthy Campus. The site is a short 50 minutes drive from Adelaide University's North Terrace Campus in Adelaide CBD. In the near future, remote operations of COROL will be developed, and that will make it a truly "cloud-based" facility. Feel free to drop us a message if you are interested in COROL.
Gallery
Gallery
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse