Tartu Observatory Space Missions Simulation Center

The Space Mission Simulation Center, or Space Bunker, is designed to test space instruments, gather datasets and validate software tools before sending them on a real mission under conditions that act as a close analogue to their destination. The facility hosts a Lunar analogue environment and a Comet fly-by experiment setup.

Lunar Analogue Environment

Lunar Analogue Environment
Lunar analogue environment at Tartu Observatory Space Missions Simulation Center
The Lunar analogue site features a 7.5m X 8.5m sandbox operational area where realistic Lunar surface can be simulated. The landscape area is designed for easy modifications of surface features and allows for adjustments of a powerful directional light source that simulates solar illumination conditions. The analogue site mimics Lunar conditions further as the walls of the facility reflect minimal light allowing for the formation of long shadows that are expected on the lunar surface. A combination of these characteristics allow for the use of the facility as an adequate analogue environment to test cameras and subsequently visual method algorithms that may be utilized on the lunar surface. The facility has also been used to collect visual datasets to train and test machine learning algorithms.
Various Robotic Platforms tested at Lunar analogue environment
Robotic platforms tested at Lunar analogue environment
Currently, the lunar analogue facility plays a key role in the testing and design cycle for KuupKulgur, an Estonian cube rover project. The rover”s mechanical designs are rigorously tested and improved upon using the information gathered from the analogue environment. The facility plays a key role in the development of KuupKulgur further and is planned to be a center-point towards testing various robotic autonomy solutions for the lunar use-case. Off-road robotic platforms also heavily utilize the analogue environment to test various robotic autonomy functionality.
Sample of camera image streams captured in the Lunar analogue environment at Tartu Observatory Space Missions Simulation Center
Sample of camera image streams captured in the Lunar analogue environment at Tartu Observatory Space Missions Simulation Center

Comet Fly-by Experiment

The facility also hosts a dedicated experimental setup that allows researchers and scientists at Tartu Observatory to simulate comet fly-by scenarios. The experiment setup include a tensioned wire that is allowed to extend along a linear path of approximately 3m and a wire dolly system, where either a camera or comet analogue can be attached. Due to the fact that there is minimal ambient light scattering within the facility, photo-realistic fly-by scenarios can be very accurately reproduced, allowing for data gathering and testing of algorithms. This experimental setup plays a key role in the development of the OPIC
instrument aboard the Comet Intercepter project.
Comet Fly-by Experiment setup at Tartu Observatory Space Missions Simulation Center
Comet Fly-by Experiment setup at Tartu Observatory Space Missions Simulation Center
The facility is continually being improved to achieve higher levels of functionality. Tartu Observartory aims to further improvements to the facility such as the implementation of a localization system to support robotic autonomy testing, complex Lunar surface modelling, simulating more complex solar illumination scenrios and expanding to incorporate a Martian analogue environment.