Intelligent, autonomous systems in space

Abstract Systems autonomy will be an important ingredient of future space systems. The Space Station, in particular, is expected to be equipped with intelligent, autonomous capabilities. To achieve and incorporate these capabilities, the required technologies need to be identified, developed and validated within realistic application scenarios. The critical technologies for the development of intelligent, autonomous systems are discussed in the context of a generalized functional architecture. The present state of this technology implies that it be introduced and applied in an evolutionary process which must start already during the Space Station design phase. An approach is proposed to accomplish design information acquisition and management for knowledge base development.