Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
An ElectroAdhesive "Stick Boom" for Mars Sample Return Orbiting Sample Capture, Phase I
Project Introduction
The Electroadhesive "Sticky Boom", an innovative method for rendezvous and docking, is proposed for the Orbiting Sample Capture (OSC) portion of the Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission. This technology carries the advantages of greatly reducing the probability of accidental colisions, high inherent reliability from mechanical and guidance simplicity, lower propellant consumption, avoidance of plume impingement, high tolerance for relative spacecraft misalignment, very low mass and volume requirements, and reliable non-mechanical contact and proximity detection. The system consists of an electrically activated electroadhesive pad used for spacecraft capture, mounted flexibly on the end of a low volume/weight retractable boom. The research proposed in phase 1 aims to design a system optimized for MSR mission and demonstrate the reliable functionality of the system in simulated space environments raising the TRL from a 2 to a 3. This effort ends with a system design for a flight testbed for testing during Phase 2, thus further elevating the TRL to 5-6. Also covered are numerous other applications of the technology, which allows for docking with spacecraft not design for docking as well as capture of uncooperative targets and debris. Interest in application of this technology has been show by industry entities such as ULA.
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Anticipated Benefits
Outside NASA, there is significant interest in rendezvous and docking systems that do not require the target vehicle to be predesigned for the mission, cooperative, or even controlled at all. Applications of this sort include: -Space tugs for refueling or servicing existing space craft -"Uncooperative" rendezvous and docking efforts, which DoD is interested in -Debris capture for paid orbital debris removal services. -"Life-extension" services or "orbital rescue" services, where a satellite that has either lost control, or is near the end of its propellant reserves can have its life extended by a servicing satellite. -Other orbital servicing missions including ORU replacement -A docking system enabling high-tempo delivery of propellants to propellant depots using "dumb" propellant tankers -Simplification of the rendezvous/docking process for crew/cargo deliveries to orbital facilities. In addition to the Mars Sample Return OSC retrieval mission, technology based on the Sticky Boom concept has applications in: -Any of the Flagship Technology Demonstrator missions which focus on autonomous rendezvous and docking -Propellant depots, as reliable docking will be key to mission success -Capture devices for active removal of orbital debris The electrostatic adhesion pad itself, once proven for use in the space environment also has other applications separate from boom rendezvous: -Robotic systems such as Robonaut which could benefit from more flexible means of movement on space stations rather than current rail bases systems -Gripping surfaces for boots and gloves to improve EVA safety and flexibility.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Altius Space Machines, Inc. | Lead Organization | Industry | Broomfield, Colorado |
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
(JPL)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Pasadena, California |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
California
-
Colorado
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Organization:
- Altius Space Machines, Inc.
Responsible Program:
- Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Principal Investigator:
Project Duration
Start: Feb 2011
End: Sep 2011
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 2 |
| Current: | 3 |
| Estimated End: | 3 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TX04 Robotic Systems
- TX04.5 Autonomous Rendezvous and Docking
- TX04.5.5 Capture Mechanisms and Fixtures
Target Destination
Earth
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