Real deep‑space test laboratory
The ESA is providing computing resources on the asteroid mission Hera where selected software can be executed during cruise and at the target body. Such onboard tests are rare: usually only tightly integrated instruments fly, while software validation in an authentic deep‑space environment remains exceptional. For developers this opens a testbed that goes far beyond terrestrial laboratory conditions — with great distance from Earth, long latencies, increased radiation exposure and tight computing and power budgets. This allows teams to demonstrate robustness, fault tolerance and real‑time behaviour under operational conditions.
Wanted: efficient, autonomous algorithms
The call targets software with low resource demands, high reliability and as much autonomy as possible. Potential areas range from instrument‑near data preprocessing, compression and error correction to autonomous navigation or experiment decision‑making. Compact AI models for event detection or onboard prioritization are also conceivable — provided they can be operated safely and do not compromise the mission.
Relevance for Earth observation and climate
Techniques proven in space can be transferred directly to Earth observation satellites. There, downlink bandwidth and energy often limit data flow. If sensors preprocess, compress or preferentially report relevant events onboard, the information content per transmission increases. That can shorten warning times for wildfires, floods or methane leaks while also reducing operating costs and the energy demand of ground infrastructure. Autonomous prioritization and adaptive observation strategies also boost the efficiency of large constellations — requirements that Hera tests can address realistically under extreme conditions.
Security requirements and selection criteria
Protecting the mission’s primary objectives is the top priority. External software will be executed in isolation; virtualization, sandboxes and strict resource limits are intended to minimize side effects on onboard hardware. Only packages that have undergone extensive ground testing and do not touch critical systems will be permitted. Restrictions on runtime, compute, memory and bandwidth apply. Applications must present a clear error‑management strategy. Selection will be based on scientific added value, technical readiness and non‑interference with operations.
Benefits for applicants
A successful flight provides robust evidence of performance and long‑term behaviour under radiation, thermal stress and communication latency — parameters that laboratories can only simulate to a limited extent. Such validation eases the transition into commercial satellites, national programmes or Copernicus services and creates market advantages for providers that can demonstrate efficient onboard processing and autonomy.
Collaboration and responsibility
Implementation requires close coordination between teams and ESA engineers, with clear processes for approval, monitoring and emergency shutdown. Testing AI‑supported functions also raises questions of responsibility: which decisions may a system take autonomously, for example in data acquisition? Transparent rules and rigorous verification processes are central to addressing these issues.
Outlook
Opening Hera for software tests can shorten development cycles and accelerate the adoption of field‑proven solutions in operational constellations. Earth observation, early‑warning systems and climate services stand to benefit — through more reliable data, faster responses and more efficient use of resources.