Published On: April 26, 2024

Ascent and Descent Autonomous Manoeuvrable Platform (ADAMP)

Looking at the new space business trend of being able to reuse space technologies, it can be seen that efforts have been made in the space exploration and transportation scene, with companies and institutes proving that such demonstrations will lead to a more challenging scene in terms of profitability. This comes not only from being able to recover parts of technology to investigate and potentially reuse, but also from being able to test faster, provide reliability through utilization of previous proven procedures, having the means to deploy new technology at an unseen before rate and to be able to mature technologies much more easily.

In this context, the Ascent and Descent Autonomous Manoeuvrable Platform (ADAMP) initiative is addressing one key element in which with such a rapid development curve, space technology innovation can cope with other well established or emerging domains. The ADAMP demonstrator is a reusable testing platform based on a 6kN rocket engine as a core version designed, developed and further to be operated by INCAS.

ADAMP has been drawn out to be also a modular platform that could take on-board the extension configuration which is called Extended Vehicle ADAMP (EVA) different payloads ranging from software to actual hardware such as different propulsion modules.
In the context of the SAFEST project, ADAMP is seen as an in-flight testing platform to raise the maturity level of the Autonomous Flight Termination System (AFTS) under development. This initiative plays a pivotal role in SAFEST, which focuses on tracking launch vehicles for flight safety and automating safety decision processes.


Additionally, the SAFEST project introduces the sMart Integrated Avionics (MIA) platform, providing a modular and standardized solution to these challenges. MIA utilizes configurable software layers atop hardware processing devices, adaptable to various models and manufacturers, particularly well-suited for system-on-chip devices. This flexibility enables mission planners to allocate functionalities between software and FPGA components based on project requirements.

In conclusion, initiatives like ADAMP, coupled with technological advancements such as the MIA platform, represent significant strides in enhancing the safety, efficiency, and versatility of space exploration and transportation. These developments not only pave the way for more reliable and cost-effective space missions but also contribute to the ongoing evolution of space technology innovation across various domains.

Share this story, choose your platform!