Technology Demonstration Missions
Dragonfly: On-Orbit Robotic Installation and Reconfiguration of Large Solid RF Reflectors (Dragonfly)
Project Description
This project developed and demonstrated robotic assembly using a high fidelity ground testbed. In the first phase, the project modified existing antenna and robotic equipment to perform a high-fidelity antenna assembly ground-based demonstration. This ground activity will demonstrate effective stowage of larger than standard reflectors within a launch fairing, robotic assembly techniques, and concept of operations for reflector positioning on a GEO satellite. Subsequently, NASA awarded an extension of the Tipping Point contract to demonstrate the in-space ability to assemble spacecraft antenna in low-Earth orbit, which will enable future science and space exploration. This will be conducted as a secondary payload on the TDM OSAM-1 mission.
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Anticipated Benefits
Technologies developed through Dragonfly will enable reconfiguration of traditionally fixed satellite designs.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Space Systems/Loral, LLC (SSL) | Lead Organization | Industry | San Jose, California |
Ames Research Center
(ARC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Moffett Field, California |
|
Langley Research Center
(LaRC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Hampton, Virginia |
| MDA Canada | Supporting Organization | Industry | Brampton, Outside the United States, Canada |
| MDA US Systems LLC | Supporting Organization | Industry | Pasadena, California |
| Tethers Unlimited Inc | Supporting Organization | Industry | Bothell, Washington |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
California
-
Colorado
-
Virginia
-
Washington
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