ACOR – AI-enabled Cyber-Physical In-Orbit Self-Recovering Factory

01.08.2022

Project Overview

The ACOR project builds on its predecessors and focuses on investigating fundamental methods for Fault Detection, Isolation and Recovery (FDIR) in an in-orbit factory context. The objective is autonomous production of modular satellite components in space with high fault tolerance and minimal human intervention.

Project Duration

August 2022 - Octobre 2024

Key Technical Areas

• Development of AI-based fault detection & recovery methods for both process and component levels in the in-orbit factory.
• Implementation of a digital process twin that orchestrates assembly, integration and test (AIT) processes in orbit.
• Teleoperation with adaptive virtual fixtures enabling ground operators to intervene via force-feedback in case of non-recoverable failures.
• Automated small-satellite production using modular components and significantly reduced time from order to operation in orbit.

Consortium

• Technische Universität München (Coordination)
• Technische Universität Darmstadt
• Zentrum für Telematik e.V.

Outlook

The outcomes of ACOR provide the foundation for future on-orbit factories with elevated levels of autonomy, scalable production, and self-recovery. These developments will enable faster mission turnaround, higher flexibility, and greater competitiveness in the space sector.

Funding

ACOR is funded by the Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie (BMWi) and the Deutsches Luft und Raumfahrt Zentrum (DLR).