SBIR/STTR Research Award

ThinkPlatform: Modular In-Space Construction Powered by ThinkToolkit

Award identifier 9bcd1ac9983845881073a8d7e41351f7f0036cc33ec0b8894171e7c52fc25e4cAwarding agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Award amount

$148,144

Program and phase

SBIR · Phase I

Award year

2025

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Award details

Awarding agency
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Branch
Not reported
Recipient company
THINKORBITAL INC.
Proposal award date
2025-09-15
Contract end date
2026-03-27
UEI
JVNVLEJFNUH3
Solicitation number
SBIR 2025-I
Topic code
Z-EXPAND

Research abstract

ThinkOrbital’s ThinkPlatform is a modular, self-assembling orbital infrastructure powered by ThinkToolkit, a suite of robotic assembly and outfitting technologies designed for large-scale autonomous space construction. This innovation enables the assembly of persistent space stations, fuel depots, large observatories, and multi-mission assets in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and cislunar space. Current orbital infrastructure is highly customized, constrained by launch vehicle size, and requires extensive pre-assembly on Earth. ThinkPlatform eliminates these limitations by providing a scalable, robotic-assembled framework that can be expanded and reconfigured in orbit, reducing reliance on bespoke, single-use space missions. ThinkToolkit integrates robotic actuators for manipulation, welding, alignment, and latching mechanisms, autonomous inspection tools, and standardized interfaces for power, mechanical mounting, data, and fluid routing. Phase I will establish feasibility through structural framework definition, robotic actuation testing, and core outfitting system development. ThinkOrbital will evaluate key joining methods, interface standardization, and assembly workflows, ensuring that ThinkPlatform can support long-duration, multi-mission infrastructure in space. The effort will conclude with a validated system design, risk assessment, and Phase II implementation roadmap, positioning ThinkPlatform as a cornerstone technology for sustainable, autonomous space construction.

Technology keywords

Not reported

Other awards by this recipient

Verified by the same UEI. These are other public SBIR/STTR award pages, not a merged company record.

Awards with the same topic code

Verified by an exact topic code match. This is not a text-similarity match.

Research funding history

7 SBIR/STTR records share this UEI (2022–2025). Reported award amounts total $5,342,279. Reported amounts are not federal obligations.

Phases: Phase I, Phase II

Agencies: Department of Defense, National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Agency intelligence

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

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