SpacePilot GNC Software Deployed by Sidus Space
Company Announces Commissioning of LizzieSat-3 Attitude Determination and Control System
A new autonomous guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) software called SpacePilot has been deployed by Sidus Space. Designed for next-generation satellite operations, SpacePilot integrates real-time star tracker, sun sensor, magnetometer, gyroscope, and GPS data onboard LS3 to enable high-precision orbital control with minimal ground intervention.
“This software enables a higher level of autonomy, ensuring greater efficiency and mission resilience while reducing reliance on ground resources.”
Carol Craig, Sidus Space
Key features include:
Attitude Determination: Real-time estimation of spacecraft orientation for mission-critical accuracy
Attitude Control: Stabilization and mission-aligned adjustments to support payload operations
Optimal Trajectory: Fuel-efficient, time-optimized flight paths for extended mission life
Autonomous Guidance: Precise rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) with minimal operator input
Adaptive Autonomy: Dynamic response to changing orbital conditions and fault scenarios
Lightweight Design: Optimized for resource-constrained small satellite platforms
“Activating SpacePilot and commissioning the ADCS marks a critical milestone for LS3’s mission,” said Carol Craig, Founder and CEO of Sidus Space. “This software enables a higher level of autonomy, ensuring greater efficiency and mission resilience while reducing reliance on ground resources.”
In a related development, the company has completed commissioning of the Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) on LizzieSat-3 (LS3).
The successful commissioning of the ADCS marks a critical step toward LS3’s full mission readiness. With the deployment of autonomous SpacePilot, the satellite can achieve accurate sun-pointing for maximum power generation, stabilize payload orientation for improved data collection, and maintain antenna alignment for reliable communications. This milestone also paves the way for more rapid commissioning of the remaining onboard technologies, including Sidus’s proprietary sensor suite.
LS3’s successful commissioning and SpacePilot deployment reinforce Sidus Space’s commitment to advancing autonomous satellite technologies as part of its growing LizzieSat constellation.