ERA is a dual-project program in cybernetics and environmental monitoring and control and the use of coordinated networks of autonomous and semi-autonomous robots and sensors in terrestrial and space operations. The fundamental control systems are based upon GHCM theory, architecture, simulation and future implementations.

Both Projects are closely-coupled in terms of foundamental cybernetics and control theory and technology including robotic architectures. The Tethys Project is presently absorbed strongly in the phase-2 work on ASTRIC.

ASTRIC = Astro Terrestrial Remote Interaction and Control, and specifically, Asteroid Reconnaissance Intervention and Control. Cooperative modular multi-function robot networks capable of conducting autonomous high-fault-tolerance missions in space including performance of tasks for modification of asteroid trajectories, orbits and potential collisions with Earth.

Included is the core technology of structural components and assembly/disassembly mechanisms for ASTRIC units, known as MOSES (Modular Organic-assembly Space-based Engineering System), and HALO (High-Altitude Lift-Launch-Land Operations), an architecture for space-based operations that eliminates the need for conventional heavy rockets and reduces other engineering complexity and cost factors for launching and landing payloads to and from planetary orbit. HALO employs a relocatable platform at a very high altitude, constructed of modular pod units, for use as a waypoint base for traffic of vehicles to and from Earth and to and from space-based locations.

This project is intended and planned to grow and expand significantly within the next ten years. There will be multiple steps and stages for different teams as work progresses into system implementation.

Meanwhile, look at other pages of TETRAD Institute, and ASTRA Center, and also there are papers and presentations at http://tdyn.org/martindudziak