In this work, we exploit a computational model of human pre-attentive vision to guide the
descent of a spacecraft on extraterrestrial bodies. Providing the spacecraft with high degrees
of autonomy is a challenge for future space missions. Up to present, major effort in this
research field has been concentrated in hazard avoidance algorithms and landmark
detection, often by reference to a priori maps, ranked by scientists according to specific
scientific criteria. Here, we present a bio-inspired approach based on the human ability to …

Efficiency in terms of mass and energy consumption, stability and adaptability with respect to
unknown environments, intelligent behaviours in critical decision making processes, are all
desirable features for autonomous spacecrafts. Interesting solutions to these issues can be
found in nature: biological systems, indeed, possess autonomy by excellence. In this work,
we present a bio-inspired approach to spacecraft landing that uses a model of human visual
attention to guide the descent towards safe and interesting sites. The selected site for …