ASTER (Advanced Space and Technology Research) Labs provides research services to its clients for advanced topics in spacecraft development and operation applications, as well as technology that can be applied to future aerospace vehicle enhancements. ASTER Labs personnel hold several patents on topics related to spacecraft navigation and control, as well as terrestrial navigation.
ASTER Labs has worked on contracts with U.S. governmental agencies, University-related research laboratories and industry sources in the following areas related to autonomous spacecraft systems:
• Autonomous interplanetary navigation, including outer planets and asteroids
• Autonomous aerospace vehicle navigation and control at both large and small vehicle scales
• Relative navigation, including rendezvous and docking of vehicles
• High accuracy time transfer used for time alignment and communication
In addition to high performance navigation technologies, the company is pursuing passive and active energy generation systems for self-sufficient operations, including solar and wind technologies.
ASTER Labs also produces Orbitus ED, a graphical user interface (GUI) written in MATLAB accomplished at displaying satellite orbits, orbit transfers, rendezvous, as well as generating usable data associated with these trajectories and maneuvers. Designed as an education tool, it is also an excellent tool for use in industry for quick visualizations and analysis of satellite orbits.