Rad-tolerant Avionics & Mechanisms for the Modern Space Economy- RAMMSE

Motiv Space Systems (Motiv) proposes RAMMSE—a cost-effective, radiation-tolerant advancement of power-dense actuation, motor drive, and control electronics for in-space robotic manipulation. By leveraging Motiv’s existing xLink Gen2 motion control and actuator hardware, RAMMSE bridges the gap between high-cost, long-lead spaceflight hardware and rapidly deployable, lower-cost alternatives. This effort will evaluate, modify, and qualify Motiv’s EDU-grade Motor Controller (DELTA Stack) and next-generation actuators to advance toward spaceflight readiness. The active components and sensors within the EDU DELTA Stack motor controller and actuators, derived from Motiv’s flight-proven xLink Gen1, will undergo Total Ionizing Dose (TID) testing and Single Event Effects (SEE) evaluation to validate radiation tolerance. Hardware modifications, including component substitutions, shielding techniques, and firmware mitigations, will be implemented as necessary to enhance survivability in extreme environments. By utilizing pre-existing hardware, this program maximizes development efficiency while reducing cost and schedule risks. The Path to Flight Plan will outline a streamlined approach for transitioning the modified EDU hardware to a space-qualified system in Phase II, enabling broader adoption across NASA and commercial space applications. RAMMSE directly addresses NASA’s need for efficient, space-qualified robotic actuation and motor control systems, supporting applications in lunar surface operations, in-space servicing, and ISAM. This technology aligns with NASA civil space shortfalls #1545, #1546, and #1538, establishing a scalable, cost-effective solution for future robotic missions.