Advances in Digital Avionics and Space Systems
This DL addresses the role of digital avionics, astrionics and Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems research in enabling the safe, efficient and sustainable development of the air and space transport sector. The aim is to disseminate recent technological/regulatory advances and to identify opportunities for industrial innovation in strategic areas, such as future Decision Support Systems (DSS) for Intent Based Operations (IBO) and Multi-Domain Traffic Management (MDTM). Starting from SESAR/NextGen top-level requirements, the DL focusses on integrated Communication, Navigation and Surveillance/ATM and Avionics (CNS+A) system architectures implementing 4-Dimensional Trajectory Optimisation (4DTO) algorithms, data link communications and enhanced surveillance technologies, as well as adaptive cognitive forms of Human-Machine Interface and Interaction (HMI2), allowing the automated negotiation and validation of aircraft intents for safer and more efficient ATM operations. As an integral part of this CNS+A evolutionary process, specific requirements for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) navigation, communication and cooperative/non-cooperative Sense-and-Avoid (SAA) are being addressed in order to allow the safe and unrestricted access of UAS to all classes of airspace. In parallel with air transport developments, progress in spaceflight research has led to the introduction of various manned and unmanned reusable space vehicle concepts, opening up uncharted opportunities for the newborn space transport industry. For future space transport operations to be technically and commercially viable, it is critical that an acceptable level of safety is provided, requiring the development of novel digital tools (e.g., mission planning and decision support systems) that utilize advanced CNS+A technologies, and allowing a seamless integration of space operations in the current ATM network. While the technical maturity of propulsive and vehicle technologies is relatively high, a recent review of emerging platform operational concepts highlights the challenges (and opportunities) brought in by the adoption of cyber-physical and autonomous systems for integration of point-to-point suborbital spaceflight with conventional atmospheric air transport. In particular, various viable launch and re-entry methodologies were addressed, where the physical and computational limitations of these approaches was identified and applicability to future commercial space transport operations was assessed. Recent research is turning greater attention to the on-orbit phase, where the unique hazards of the space environment are being examined and the necessary elements required for space object de- confliction and collision avoidance modelling are analysed. The evolution of regulatory frameworks supporting spacecraft operations is a conspicuous factor, which requires a holistic approach and extensive government support for the successful development and establishment of sustainable business models, including space debris mitigation strategies, operational risk assessment and liability issues. Within the atmospheric domain, extensions and alternatives to the conventional airspace segregation approaches must be identified including ATM/ATFM techniques to facilitate the integration of new-entrant platforms. Lastly, adequate modelling approaches to meet on-orbit risk criteria must be developed and evolutionary requirements to improve current operational procedures (and associated regulatory frameworks) must be addressed in order to establish a fully-integrated Multi-Domain Traffic Management (MDTM) framework.
Instructor
Roberto Sabatini
Roberto Sabatini is a Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics with three decades of experience in aerospace and defense systems research and education, having served in various industry, government, and academic organizations in Europe, North America, Australia, and the Middle East. His research addresses key contemporary challenges in avionics, spaceflight, and robotics/autonomous systems design, test, and certification, focusing on the central role played by cyber-physical systems and AI in the digital transformation and sustainable development of the sector (e.g., human-autonomy teaming and trusted autonomy, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and UAS Traffic Management (UTM), urban and regional air mobility, distributed space systems, space domain awareness, and multi-domain traffic management). Prof. Sabatini holds various academic qualifications, including a Ph.D. in Aerospace/Avionics Systems (Cranfield University), a Ph.D. in Space Geodesy/Satellite Navigation (University of Nottingham), and an Advanced MEng in Astronautics/Space Systems (Sapienza University of Rome). Additionally, he is a Private Pilot, Remote Pilot, and Flight Test Engineer. Throughout his career, he led several industry and government-funded research projects and he authored or co-authored more than 300 peer-reviewed international publications. The Australian Research Special Report 2021 recognized Prof. Sabatini as the top national scientist in the field of Aerospace Engineering/Aviation and, according to the 2022 Stanford ranking, he is in the top 2% of most cited scientists globally in Aerospace and Aeronautics. Prof. Sabatini is a Fellow and Executive Member of the Institution of Engineers Australia, a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Navigation, and a Fellow of the International Engineering and Technology Institute. He was conferred prestigious national and international awards including the Distinguished Leadership Award - Aviation/Aerospace Australia (2021); Scientist of the Year - Australian Defence Industry Awards (2019); Science Award - Sustainable Aviation Research Society (2016); Arch T. Colwell Merit Award - Society of Automotive Engineering (2015); and Scientific Achievement Award - NATO Research & Technology Organization (2008). In addition to his primary duties at Khalifa University of Science and Technology (Abu Dhabi, UAE), Prof. Sabatini holds and has held honorary/visiting positions at a number of international institutions, including RMIT University (Australia), Polytechnic University of Turin (Italy), Chosun University (South Korea), and Durban University of Technology (South Africa). Additionally, Prof. Sabatini serves in the editorial board of several journals, including the IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems, Progress in Aerospace Sciences, Robotics, Aerospace Science and Technology, the Journal of Navigation, and the IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine.
Publication Year: 2023