The space environment is inherently unpredictable however, with the potential for all kinds of unforeseen factors and noise, such as gravitational variations, atmospheric turbulence or planetary bodies that turn out to be shaped differently from on-ground modelling.

Whenever the spacecraft deviates from its planned path for whatever reason, its control system works to return it to the set profile. The problem is that such an approach can be quite costly in resource terms, requiring a whole set of brute force corrections.

Sebastien adds: “Our alternative end-to-end Guidance & Control Networks, G&C Nets, approach involves all the work taking place on the spacecraft. Instead of sticking a single set course, the spacecraft continuously replans its optimal trajectory, starting from the current position it finds itself at, which proves to be much more efficient.”