ECHO2

 

ECHO2: End-to-End Control for Handling Operations in Orbit

PI(s): David Rodríguez Martínez & Carlos Pérez del Pulgar

Contract #: 4000148370/25/NL/GLC 

ECHO2 is a collaborative research project between the Space Robotics Lab (University of Málaga), the European Space Agency (ESA), and Sirin Orbital Systems. The project explores a markerless, vision-driven pipeline that enables orbital robotic systems to autonomously inspect, diagnose, and repair large space structures (LSS) without relying on visual markers, standardized interfaces, or continuous human intervention. As space infrastructure expands, autonomous solutions are essential for reducing reliance on risky and costly astronaut extravehicular activities. With ECHO2, we address this challenge by developing a flexible, perception-aware robotic inspection system capable of operating reliably in complex orbital environments.

Funding

ECHO2 is a co-sponsored research project funded under ESA's Discovery Campaign 'New Approaches for Large Space Structure Construction, Maintenance, and Recycling Technologies, (LATTICE)'.

Project Goals

• Develop a multi-modal markerless vision system fusing RGB, depth, and thermal imaging for 4D shape reconstruction and anomaly detection.

• Create efficient grasping point identification methods adaptable to irregular or damaged components.

• Integrate perception-aware motion planning for safe and precise manipulation under unforeseen conditions.

• Demonstrate the technology on a free-floating platform.

Timeline

• Start date: October 2025

• Duration: 24 months

Team members

• David Rodríguez Martínez, Co-PI
• Carlos Pérez del Pulgar, Co-PI
• Juan de Dios Alfaro López, Research intern (Spring 2026)
• Arturo Ríos Pérez, Research Intern (Spring 2026)
• Eduardo Domínguez Moncayo, Research Student (Spring 2026)

News

• [29 Apr 2026] Sirin Orbital Systems to research with ESA and the University of Málaga (swisstrade (eng), punkt4, innovation zurich)
• [17 Jan 2026] La UMA investiga junto a la Agencia Espacial Europea la inspección robótica de estructuras en órbita (UMA, EL ESPAÑOL, Málaga Hoy) 

Project outcome

Conference & workshop contributions

1. D. Rodríguez-Martínez, Autonomous inspection, diagnosis, and repair of space structures using robots. Small Satellites & Services Forum (SSSIF), Málaga, Spain (2026).

Technical Reports

1. J. Alfaro López, 4D Vision: RGB-T Object Reconstruction For Robotic Perception and Autonomous Inspection, MSc. in Mechatronics Engineering, University fo Málaga (2026).
2. A. Ríos Pérez, Design and development of an autonomous robotic inspection program of large space structures.  BSc. in Electronic, Robotics, & Mechatronics Engineering (GIERM), University of Málaga (2026).
3. E. Domínguez Moncayo, Autonomous Inference of Grasping Points for Space Components. BSc. in Computer Science, University of Málaga (2026).

 

Other publications, datasets, and code resulting from this project will be listed here.