2019-present

About

DARLA (Demonstration of Artificial Reasoning, Learning, and Analysis) is a 3U-CubeSat mission and integrated ground network to demonstrate key technologies for onboard science event detection and response. This mission was initially conceived as a part of the University Nanosatellite Program’s NS-10 cycle. Following the completion of Phase A the mission changed course to be a single spacecraft mission called DARLA. Using neural networks, the in-orbit spacecraft will be trained to identify interesting science events and respond to them. For this mission, “interesting” science will be defined as unexpected objects detected by the imaging system (meteors, auroras) and radio-Frequency (RF) events detected by the software-defined radio. Responses will include notifying the ground network, and changing on-board science operations plans to collect more information about the event.

The ARES Flight Software running on board the satellites was initially flight tested on the Argus-02 CubeSat and is developed by Bennett Research Technologies (BRT). DARLA is a demonstration mission for DORRE, a follow up mission consisting of eight spacecraft running ARES.

Mission

The scientific data generated by the DARLA mission is different from SSRL missions of the past. Rather than running a quantifiable experiment contained on a CubeSat, the DARLA mission’s goal is to validate the functionality of event detection and machine learning in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). As well as to validate the asynchronous architecture communication architecture developed by BRT. The satellite and ground platforms are made so the ARES software can sense events. Event data would come in the form of Radio Frequency (RF) readings from a radio or pictures from a camera. This data can then be sent out to any entity within the network (ground platforms). Each instance of the ARES software can learn from event data using machine learning techniques and over time begin to predict or react to such events. The ARES software itself runs autonomously on each platform and determines what data constitutes an event. This means that the limited capabilities of the communications link within the network are used only to share unusual or “interesting” data, freeing up bandwidth for other mission-critical data.

Ultimately, the aim of the DARLA mission is to help answer a fundamental design question: Can lower-performance, disposable spacecraft match the capabilities of one or a few high-cost, high-performance, exquisite spacecraft for their ability to detect and respond to events? A similar question hovers around other CubeSat and small satellite missions: whether meaningful scientific data can be generated while reducing costs to time, budget, resources, and personnel.

Engineering Process

The DARLA mission was initially developed under the name DORRE as a part of the University Nanosatellite Program, UNP NS-10. After not being selected for phase B, all hardware procured under NS-10 was turned into flight hardware for DARLA, with the purpose of a demonstration mission for DORRE. DORRE is currently under development under the University Nanosatellite Program, UNP NS-11 cycle.

Payload

The payload for DARLA is fairly simple. The spacecraft requires a computer that can run the ARES software, in this case, a Raspberry Pi, and sensors to collect event data. The payload sensors flown on the satellite are a Software Defined Radio (SDR) and a Raspberry Pi Camera Module. Those are all the components required to gather meaningful data to share with the network.

Flight Hardware

The DARLA team has selected NanoAvionics and EnduroSat to supply the majority of our satellite subsystems. The remaining components are being developed in-house by our undergraduate student team or procured from a third party.

Mission Status

Selected missions in the 14th round of the CubeSat Launch Initiative. *Image credit: NASA*

DARLA was selected for launch through NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative (CSLI) in March of 2023. The team is currently in the process of final integration of the flight model and expects the mission to launch sometime in the next 12 months.

Timeline

Q3 2022-Q2 2023
- Final FlatSat Testing
July 2023
- Final Integration
September - November 2023
- Testing and Pre-Flight checkouts
2024 - 2027
- Launch
  - The launch is Sponsored by NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative
  - Preferred orbits
    - 400km Altitude, 51.6 degree orbital inclination (ISS Deployed)
    - 400km-550km Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO)