End-to-End Control for Handling Operations in Orbit (ECHO2) is a collaborative research project between the Space Robotics Lab (University of Málaga), the European Space Agency (ESA), and Sirin Orbital Systems AG. The project explores a markerless, vision-driven pipeline that enables orbital robotic systems to autonomously inspect, diagnose, and repair large space structures (LSS) without relying on visual markers, standardised interfaces, or continuous human intervention.
As space infrastructure expands, autonomous solutions are essential for reducing reliance on risky and costly astronaut extravehicular activities. With ECHO2, we address this challenge by developing a flexible, perception-aware robotic inspection system capable of operating reliably in complex orbital environments.
A use-case of this technology aims at autonomous deployment, inspection and maintenance of large-scale in-orbit infrastructures such as extended solar panels and heat dissipaters / radiators of In-Orbit Data Centres—such as those under development by Starcloud – The Future of AI among others.
Read the original text on the project web-site:
https://www.uma.es/space-robotics/info/155217/echo2/
LinkedIn Post by the University of Málaga:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/uma-space-robotics-lab_we-just-started-a-new-activity-between-the-activity