DARPA’s in-space satellite servicing robot gets to grips with testing

Author: EIS Release Date: Nov 16, 2022

The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is celebrating its in-space satellite servicing robot passing initial tests.

 

DARPA's in-space satellite servicing robot aces tests

 

All component-level tests have been completed, it reports, on its DARPA’s Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) program and the on-orbit demonstration mission is on schedule for launch in 2024.

 

The goal is to help address the growing problem of space debris by both inspecting and servicing satellites in geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO), rather than having to junk them.

 

In GEO hundreds of satellites provide communications, meteorological, national security, and other important functions. Currently, highlights DARPA, no options exist for visual diagnosis, upgrades, or repairs of a malfunctioning satellite’s components.

 

“We are seeking to create a persistent operational dexterous robotic capability in GEO,” said Ana Saplan, RSGS Program Manager in DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office. “This will enable on-orbit satellite repair and upgrade, extending satellite life spans, expanding the capabilities of existing satellites, enhancing spacecraft resilience, and improving the reliability of the current U.S. space infrastructure.”

 

The on-orbit system will include two robotic arms, multiple robotic tools, on-orbit checkout and calibration equipment, equipment stowage ports, cameras and lighting, and associated avionics boxes running advanced robotics control flight software.

 

Each arm consists of seven high-strength, high-performance joints as well as a tool drive. Avionics boxes provide power, data, and control services to the arms.

 

Testing has not completed, however. Throughout the rest of 2022, engineers will be going through the flight robotic hardware and software. Integration of the robotic payload with the spacecraft bus will then begin in 2023, which will in turn be followed by the verification of the combined system.

 

To be precise, the Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) system is being developed by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) with funding provided by DARPA.

 

Timeline

The planned timeline is to launch into geosynchronous Earth orbit in 2024, with on-orbit satellite servicing activities beginning in

2025.

 

This would be following another period of checkout and calibration activities with RSGS in space.

 

In 2020, DARPA partnered with SpaceLogistics – which is a subsidiary of Northrop Grumman company – to provide the spacecraft bus, launch, and operations of the spacecraft in exchange for the ability to use the robotic payload to provide commercial servicing once on-orbit.