Space robotics

In collaboration with our partner VRVis and with the support of scientific interpretation by the Austrian Academy of Sciences, we carried out 3D analysis of pictures taken by the Perseverance rover as part of NASA’s Mars 2020 mission. We also provided 3D processing for the ExoMars 2030 mission.

• 3D vision and visualisation in Mars exploration

Alongside VRVis, we are responsible for the development and mission-related operation of the 3D geographic information system (GIS) for the ESA’s Hera mission to survey the Didymos asteroid system in 2027. The focus is on 3D processing of images of celestial bodies, data collection, visualisation and scientific analysis of the 3D data.

• 3D vision and visualisation for asteroid exploration

We cooperated with VRVis to create a framework – the only one of its kind in the world – for processing and visualising planetary surface data (from Mars, the Moon and asteroids). The PRoViP and PRo3D elements are seamlessly integrated, allowing for the real-time merger and visualisation of 3D data at all scales, ranging from millimetres to thousands of kilometres.

• Mars 2020 - 3D surface and subsurface

We perform geometric calibration of camera systems used in exploration missions (including PanCam and CLUPI for the ExoMars mission, and Mastcam-Z for the Mars 2020 mission). We also specialise in the development of airworthy software components for the ExoMars 2030 mission (CLUPI Focus Mechanism and z-stacking, and 3D analysis of surface images taken by PanCam, NavCam and LocCam).

• Space-qualified 3D technologies