We have been selected for the France 2030 project on in-orbit inspection (DIANE project).
The DIANE project will provide a practical response to the proliferation of satellites and space debris in low-Earth orbit. Magellium Artal Group, in partnership with Thales Alenia Space, has been selected as part of the France 2030 plan for this project.
The DIANE project, a major step forward for the space industry
The DIANE project (for Démonstration d'Inspectionet Amarrage Novatrice Embarquée) represents a major step towards a more eco-responsible and sustainable space. The proliferation of low-orbit satellites, and the recent explosion of a satellite out of service, make mastering these capabilities particularly relevant.
The project will exploit the EROSS (European Robotic Orbital Support Services - currently being funded by the European Union) demonstration satellites, which will be in orbit, to demonstrate rendezvous, proximity inspection and docking operations with a non-collaborative satellite in low earth orbit.
The proposed mission aims to demonstrate the approach and direct capture, by a robotic arm, of an object representative of a deactivated satellite in low Earth orbit:
- A non-collaborative "client" satellite, specifically a deactivated satellite in low Earth orbit that has lost control of its attitude and trajectory, will be rotated.
- The "servicing" spacecraft will receive a software update to perform these proximity operations on the said non-collaborative "client" satellite.
Magellium Artal Group's expertise for the DIANE project
Our team is responsible for image processing for vision-based localisation and proximity inspection. Our expertise in robotics and image processing will guarantee the accuracy and efficiency of in-orbit capture operations. This will enable us to provide essential data for the inspection and docking of deactivated satellites.
The proposed work covers theadaptation of algorithms and software to the planned demonstration mission, ground demonstration on test benches, and in-orbit demonstration. This demonstration will cover all activities representative of a service, from a customer's request to the provision of information in a format accessible to the user.
An ambitious project for a more eco-responsible Espace
The DIANE project is part of a responsible space management approach. Mastering techniques for capturing and de-orbiting non-collaborative satellites is essential to reduce the risk of collisions and limit the generation of new space debris.
This new line of spacecraft products will enable a wide range of robotic activities to be carried out in orbit, from inspection and maintenance torefuelling and extending the operational life of a satellite.
This initiative also strengthens Europe's autonomy in terms of on-orbit services, and paves the way for future satellite maintenance and life extension missions.
DIANE's European partners
The DIANE consortium brings together several European players:
- Thales Alenia Space in France is responsible for the entire mission;
- Magellium Artal Group is responsible for image processing for vision-based localisation and proximity inspection;
- DLR in Germany develops the EROSS robotic arm;
- Telespazio is responsible for implementing the service offer to a customer and for providing the platform for processing and making available inspection data.
We are looking forward to working on this innovative project, which will pave the way for a safer and more sustainable space. With DIANE, we are demonstrating our commitment to supporting the growth of the French New Space industry and meeting the needs of users and growth markets.
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