GMV completes FASTNAV project advancing lunar rover capabilities

GMV completes FASTNAV project advancing lunar rover capabilities
by Hugo Ritmico
Madrid, Spain (SPX) Nov 09, 2024

GMV, a multinational technology company, has concluded the FASTNAV (Multi-range Navigation for Fast Moon Rovers) project, showcasing a navigation system that enables rovers to reach speeds of 1 m/s-unprecedented for autonomous vehicles on planetary surfaces. Funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) under its General Support Technology Program (GSTP) and supported by the UK Space Agency (UKSA), this development marks a significant milestone for future lunar exploration.

Amidst renewed global interest in lunar exploration, equipping rovers and other vehicles with technology capable of handling challenging terrains at higher speeds has become essential. The ability for a rover to traverse distances exceeding 20 km within a single lunar day (about 14 Earth days) is considered vital. FASTNAV has achieved this through a continuous driving paradigm, allowing for constant movement without the need for frequent stops, thereby increasing the average speed from the standard 0.13 m/s to 1 m/s.

The project's guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) system integrates advanced computer vision and artificial intelligence, empowering the rover to autonomously detect obstacles and navigate diverse conditions. Beyond space exploration, this technology has potential applications in critical terrestrial environments, such as search and rescue, mining, nuclear facilities, and infrastructure monitoring.

Initial testing began in June at Upwood Quarry, Oxfordshire, where GMV evaluated the system's robustness and reliability using the RAPID platform developed in a previous ESA project. These tests verified the solution's ability to cover long distances efficiently and perform under complex conditions. Subsequent trials took place in July at Bardenas Reales Natural Park, Spain, which provided a lunar-like setting for further performance and reliability assessment, particularly of the chassis and suspension.

Enhanced machine learning adaptations were integrated into the GNC system following the testing phases, further refining its responsiveness and overall operational effectiveness. The primary engineering challenge involved developing a system capable of real-time obstacle response, enabling seamless trajectory adjustments without stopping.

Preliminary findings were shared by GMV at the International Conference on Space Robotics (iSpaRo) in Luxembourg. Steven Kay, GMV's UK Robotics lead and Technical Leader for Advanced Robotic Concepts, emphasized, "The advancements made in this project open a broad range of opportunities in both research and development, as well as in the commercial sector. These results not only represent a significant leap in space exploration and, specifically, in space robotics, but also enable applications in other demanding environments such as mining, nuclear power plants, and rescue operations, where autonomy is crucial."