The I3DS project awarded in space robotics category – a double success of Polish industry.
The I3DS space robotics project, implemented by the international consortium, that includes ŁUKASIEWICZ – PIAP Institute and Hertz Systems Sp. z o.o., has received a prestigious award. On December 11, 2019 in Paris, Frédérique Vidal, the French Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, honored the project, financed under the Horizon 2020 European Commission program called „PERASPERA: Space Robotic Technologies”, with the Stars of Europe distinction.
The set of sensors developed in the I3DS project is to serve future service and exploration missions. Completed in February 2019, the project was focused on the development of sensor technology for future service missions, involving the interception, repairing and refueling of satellites in orbit around the Earth. The future autonomous missions on the surface of Mars or the Moon can be the another area of the project’s application. The set of sensors includes, among others, visible light cameras, lidar, infrared camera and a set of navigational aids. The project coordinator was Thales Alenia Space.
A set of sensors for orbital robotics was tested with a use of especially designed and manufactured stand prepared by the ŁUKASIEWICZ – PIAP Institute team.
Scientists from the ŁUKASIEWICZ – PIAP Institute were responsible for developing the sensors of forces and torques needed during the satellite docking operation. The engineering and technical staff from the ŁUKASIEWICZ – PIAP Institute were also responsible for the mechanical and electrical integration of the sensor set from consortium partners and support for tests on the robotic platform.
The project results compiled by the ŁUKASIEWICZ – PIAP Institute have been submitted for commercialisation by PIAP Space – a subsidiary of the ŁUKASIEWICZ – PIAP Institute. The Polish company Hertz Systems from Zielona Gora provided a radar prototype for the satellite docking system.
„We are pleased that just a few months after the end of the I3DS project, it has received an important award. This distinction confirms the high potential of commerial use in the market. Our daughter company PIAP Space Sp. z o.o is responsible for adapting and certifying prototypes from the I3DS project, developed at the ŁUKASIEWICZ – PIAP Institute, to the requirements of commercial missions. The ŁUKASIEWICZ – PIAP Institute consistently strives to introduce its latest research nad innovations to various spheres of the economy. The Stars of Europe Award confirms the direction chosen by us many years ago” says Piotr Szynkarczyk – the Director of ŁUKASIEWICZ – PIAP Institute.
