Biomimetic System for Autonomous On-Orbit Capture

In recent years, the expanding in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) market has generated a growing demand for reliable and scalable robotic capture mechanisms. Apart from a few exceptions, such as remote survey and remote recharge, all satellites offering on-orbit services must be capable of docking with their client spacecraft. Examples of such services include orbit relocation, active debris removal, on-orbit refueling, and on-orbit repairs, and in-space assembly of large structures. However, a significant challenge facing the satellite servicing market is that the majority of satellites currently in orbit were not designed to be docked with. This creates a substantial barrier for the widespread adoption of on-orbit services, hindering the ISAM industry from truly taking off despite the existing demand for these capabilities. In addition, in their 2020 assessment of global OSAM trends, The Institute for Defense Analysis (IDA) reported that China and Russia are projected to achieve similar future ISAM capabilities if they continue advancing their R&D efforts at the observed pace. This competitive landscape necessitates investments towards the development of innovative capture mechanisms to ensure the USSF maintains leadership in the rapidly evolving ISAM market to enable the higher-order competencies of space sustainability, responsive systems, and the establishment of space infrastructure. To address the identified challenges and opportunities, the proposed solution is the development of a reusable robotic capture mechanism utilizing gecko-inspired dry adhesive systems. Gecko-inspired systems achieve adhesion based on van der Waals forces, which ensures compatibility with various materials and surfaces in the challenging space environment. By leveraging the biomimetic properties of gecko adhesives, this technology holds the potential to outperform existing solutions in terms of adaptability, reliability, and scalability. The advantages of this gecko-inspired system include its ability to gently grasp and release objects without causing damage, its compatibility with a wide range of materials, and its potential for scalability to handle larger objects and areas. In addition, the adhesive's passive operation eliminates the need for high voltage or complex control systems, reducing the risk of damaging electronic components when compared to other non-mechanical on-orbit capture mechanism alternatives.