Intent-aligned Autonomous Spacecraft Guidance via Reasoning Models

TL;DR

This paper introduces an intent-aligned spacecraft guidance framework that combines high-level reasoning with safe trajectory optimization through intermediate abstractions, improving decision-making and safety in autonomous space operations.

Contribution

It presents a novel decomposition linking reasoning models and trajectory optimization via behavior sequences and waypoint constraints, enabling scalable and safe intent-conditioned guidance.

Findings

Achieved over 90% SCP convergence in experiments.

Generated trajectories with 1.5 times higher compliance with top intent criteria.

Demonstrated effectiveness in close-proximity spacecraft operations.

Abstract

Future spacecraft operations require autonomy that can interpret high-level mission intent while preserving safety. However, existing trajectory optimization still relies heavily on expert-crafted formulations and does not support intent-conditioned decision-making. This paper proposes an intent-aligned spacecraft guidance framework that links high-level reasoning and safe trajectory optimization through explicit intermediate abstractions, based on behavior sequences and waypoint constraints. A foundation model first predicts an intent-aligned behavior plan, a waypoint generation model then converts it into waypoint constraints, and the safe trajectory is computed via optimization. This decomposition enables scalable supervision without sacrificing safety. Numerical experiments in close-proximity operation scenarios demonstrate that the proposed pipeline achieves over 90\% SCP convergence and yields a $1.5\times$ higher rate of generating trajectories that satisfy the top intent-prioritized performance criteria than heuristic decision-making. These results support the use of intermediate behavior abstraction as a practical interface between foundation-model reasoning and safety-critical onboard spacecraft autonomy.