Deutsch Intern
Space Informatics and Satellite Systems

Research Activities

The chair focuses on advancing autonomous space operations through AI-driven informatics and innovative GNC (Guidance, Navigation & Control).

The research portfolio is centered on two main pillars: Space Informatics and Satellite Systems. It advances the field through distributed space systems and AI-driven informatics.

Guidance, Navigation and Control

Our team specializes in the development of distributed small satellite systems, comprising coordinated and autonomous spacecraft that operate collaboratively. We design advanced models, components, and algorithms to enhance the Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) capabilities of such formations. A core focus lies in enabling autonomous rendezvous and docking (RVD) operations, precisely locating and physically connecting with target objects in space. Furthermore, we are actively exploring the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to increase autonomy, resilience, and efficiency in these complex mission scenarios. ­­­This includes motion planning, AI-based filtering and pose estimation, as well as guidance for low-thrust and propellantless control.

Adhesive surfaces coated with Gecko materials

 

© Leibniz Institut für Neue Materialien

 

Our concept utilizes satellites with docking surfaces coated with gecko-inspired materials - structured silicone adhesives that enable passive, reversible adhesion upon gentle contact, mimicking the natural grip of a gecko.

These materials offer significant advantages: they are cost-effective, easy to produce, and operate without electrical power. This research is supported by a collaboration between JMU, TU Berlin, and the Leibniz Institute for New Materials in Saarbrücken for material development and application.

The technology will be validated on the International Space Station (ISS) in late 2025 through an autonomous docking simulation under real space conditions. The experiment will employ two NASA Astrobee robots. These are free-floating cubes used for onboard assistance. One will act as a non-cooperative target, while the other, equipped with the gecko-based docking mechanism and tailored algorithms, will perform the autonomous rendezvous and capture (see RAGGA project).

 

 

Projects

gEICko

geicko logo

The gEICko project is developing a capture system using gecko-inspired adhesives (MDA) to safely dock with and secure uncooperative satellites or debris. It employs a flexible, two-phase attachment method and a tethered capture technique for tumbling targets, paving the way for debris removal and in-space servicing.

 

RAGGA

ragga logo

The joint project RAGGA-LIZARD researches and demonstrates autonomous docking to space debris using gecko-inspired adhesive materials. It simultaneously tests the long-term durability of these adhesives in space and develops the necessary navigation and control systems for rendezvous with tumbling objects.

IMPOSTER

imposter teaser

This project develops a framework for generating highly realistic synthetic image data to train AI models for visual navigation in space missions. It also creates an AI-based, explainable, and uncertainty-aware pose estimation algorithm to enable navigation toward non-cooperative objects such as space debris, supporting missions for satellite servicing and removal.