Bridging the Basilisk Astrodynamics Framework with ROS 2 for Modular Spacecraft Simulation and Hardware Integration

Fuente: arXiv
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Main Authors: Krantz, Elias, Chan, Ngai Nam, Tibert, Gunnar, Mao, Huina, Fuglesang, Christer
Format: Preprint
Published: 2025
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author Krantz, Elias
Chan, Ngai Nam
Tibert, Gunnar
Mao, Huina
Fuglesang, Christer
author_facet Krantz, Elias
Chan, Ngai Nam
Tibert, Gunnar
Mao, Huina
Fuglesang, Christer
contents Integrating high-fidelity spacecraft simulators with modular robotics frameworks remains a challenge for autonomy development. This paper presents a lightweight, open-source communication bridge between the Basilisk astrodynamics simulator and the Robot Operating System 2 (ROS 2), enabling real-time, bidirectional data exchange for spacecraft control. The bridge requires no changes to Basilisk's core and integrates seamlessly with ROS 2 nodes. We demonstrate its use in a leader-follower formation flying scenario using nonlinear model predictive control, deployed identically in both simulation and on the ATMOS planar microgravity testbed. This setup supports rapid development, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and seamless transition from simulation to hardware. The bridge offers a flexible and scalable platform for modular spacecraft autonomy and reproducible research workflows.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2512_09833
institution arXiv
publishDate 2025
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Bridging the Basilisk Astrodynamics Framework with ROS 2 for Modular Spacecraft Simulation and Hardware Integration
Krantz, Elias
Chan, Ngai Nam
Tibert, Gunnar
Mao, Huina
Fuglesang, Christer
Robotics
Integrating high-fidelity spacecraft simulators with modular robotics frameworks remains a challenge for autonomy development. This paper presents a lightweight, open-source communication bridge between the Basilisk astrodynamics simulator and the Robot Operating System 2 (ROS 2), enabling real-time, bidirectional data exchange for spacecraft control. The bridge requires no changes to Basilisk's core and integrates seamlessly with ROS 2 nodes. We demonstrate its use in a leader-follower formation flying scenario using nonlinear model predictive control, deployed identically in both simulation and on the ATMOS planar microgravity testbed. This setup supports rapid development, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and seamless transition from simulation to hardware. The bridge offers a flexible and scalable platform for modular spacecraft autonomy and reproducible research workflows.
title Bridging the Basilisk Astrodynamics Framework with ROS 2 for Modular Spacecraft Simulation and Hardware Integration
topic Robotics
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2512.09833