5D Model for In-space Service Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM)
In 2022, Quidient was selected for a Phase 1 STTR under the SpaceWERX Orbital Prime Program. We are excited to share our preliminary results!
Quidient is making a mark on 5D reconstruction by creating a fully relightable satellite model. Quidient’s Generalized Scene Reconstruction (GSR) platform solves a critical problem for the Department of Defense by creating accurate, affordable, and automatic virtual objects and scenes from images. Our reconstruction of a satellite for inspection is just one way we improve efficiency for SpaceWERX.
SpaceWERX is the Space component of AFWERX (a program office at the Air Force Research Laboratory -AFRL), which connects innovators across government, industry, and academia. The objective of SpaceWERX is to “blend the best of commercial innovation with the needs of the men and women of the U.S. Space Force who depend on space technology to do their jobs.” Additional information about SpaceWERX is available on: https://spacewerx.us/
Result
Quidient’s technological advancements in GSR were used to create a precise model of a satellite in space. The satellite’s bus is a 5D reconstruction. Meanwhile, the solar panels, top, and bottom are shown in 3D, created with commonplace photogrammetry technology to contrast the two methods. There is a perceptible difference between the two sections of the model in the video below.
Ground Truth Comparison
When building the model, the Quidient team coated the satellite with a reflective material similar to the material used on real satellites. We punched holes with known measurements to replicate damage caused by collisions with micro-meteorites. There was an average deviation of less than 2mm between the reconstruction and ground truth measurements.
Relightability
After creating the model, Quidient placed it into a simulation of an orbital lighting environment. The 5D body can be seen responding to the virtual lighting environment of outer space with accurate reflections, while the 3D portions of the model do not.
Conclusion
With Quidient’s technology, the Space Force can create quick and accurate scans to provide inspection, to identify problem areas, and to store models for maintenance records. The Space Force is not the only organization to benefit. 5D models will transform a variety of industries, from insurance, to virtual try-on, to entertainment. We look forward to seeing the applications developers build upon the Quidient Reality platform to create highly accurate 5D models used in visualization and damage inspection.
