Meet our Scientists: Reinforcement Learning for Autonomous Proximity Operations of Small Spacecraft

On the picture: Aman Arora, PhD Candidate, University of Luxembourg & Ice2Thrust.Space

Reinforcement Learning Fuels New Advances in Autonomous Docking Research

Ice2Thrust.Space is highlighting new research efforts within the consortium as we push toward safe, efficient, and fully autonomous in-orbit refuelling. Aman Arora, PhD candidate at the University of Luxembourg, is developing reinforcement-learning-based guidance and control strategies to enable small spacecraft to navigate, approach, and dock with high precision.

Aman’s work focuses on applying model-based reinforcement learning to proximity operations — one of the key technological elements in Ice2Thrust’s vision for a sustainable space mobility infrastructure. By enabling spacecraft to make intelligent, adaptive decisions during docking and propellant transfer, this research strengthens the foundation required for future in-orbit servicing, debris removal, and long-duration missions.

“Ice2Thrust brings together a remarkable blend of expertise,” Aman says. “Contributing reinforcement-learning-driven autonomy to a system that also integrates advanced propulsion, water electrolysis, and European hardware development is incredibly exciting.”

This research will play an essential role in the upcoming Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) demonstrations, where autonomous docking and refuelling procedures will be validated using realistic orbital-dynamics testbeds.

Ice2Thrust.Space continues to advance the technologies needed to turn water into propulsive capability — and intelligent autonomy is a crucial part of that mission.

Contact: Aman Arora, PhD Candidate, University of Luxembourg & Ice2Thrust.Space, aman.arora(@)uni.lu