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The purpose of this paper is to present a new approach in the concept and implementation of autonomous micro‐spacecraft. The one true “artificial agent” approach to autonomy requires the micro‐spacecraft to interact in a direct manner with the environment through the use of sensors and actuators. As such, little computational effort is required to implement such an approach, which is clearly of great benefit for limited micro‐satellites. Rather than using complex world models, which have to be updated, the agent is allowed to exploit the dynamics of its environment for cues as to appropriate actions to achieve mission goals. The particular artificial agent implementation used here has been borrowed from studies of biological systems, where it has been used successfully to provide models of motivation and opportunistic behaviour. The so‐called “cue‐deficit” action selection algorithm considers the micro‐spacecraft to be a non‐linear dynamical system with a number of observable states. Using optimal control theory rules are derived which determine which of a finite repertoire of behaviours the satellite should select and perform. The principal benefits of this approach is that the micro‐spacecraft is endowed with self‐sufficiency, defined here to be the ability to achieve mission goals, while never placing itself in an irrecoverable position.

One of the primary problems in the field of on‐orbit service and space conflict is related to the approach to the target. The development of guidance algorithms is one of the main research areas in this field. The objective of this paper is to address the guidance problem for autonomous proximity manoeuvres of a chase‐spacecraft approaching a target spacecraft.

The process of autonomous proximity is divided into three phases: proximity manoeuvre, fly‐around manoeuvre, and final approach. The characteristics of the three phases are analyzed. Considering the time factor of autonomous proximity, different orbits for the three phases are planned. Different guidance algorithms, which are based on multi‐pulse manoeuvres, are then devised.

This paper proposes three phases of autonomous proximity and then designs a guidance method, which hinges on a multi‐pulse algorithm and different orbits for the three phases; in addition, a method of impulse selection is devised.

An easy methodology for the analysis and design of autonomous proximity manoeuvres is proposed, which could also be considered for other space applications such as formation flying deployment and reconfiguration.

Based on this guidance method, the manoeuvre‐flight period of the chase‐spacecraft can be set in accordance with the mission requirements; the constraints on fuel mass and manoeuvre time are both considered and satisfied. Consequently, this proposed guidance method can effectively deal with the problem of proximity approach to a target spacecraft.

Summarises the key areas of research presented at the WOSC 2002 conference including aerospace, organic growth and medical applications. Although the work presented had little immediate practical application in the field of robotics it is clear that the future will see much of the present work being implemented.

A range of space systems engineering technologies are currently under development at the University of Glasgow. Much of this work centres on advanced propulsion (solar sailing and tethers) which is complemented by studies on space robotics and spacecraft autonomy. This paper summarises these activities to provide a brief overview of current research interests. Although some work represents fundamental research in space systems engineering, much is mission‐oriented and focused on future exploitation.