Electroadhesive Docking for Satellite Servicing and Refueling

In Orbit Aerospace proposes to strengthen capabilities in the space domain through the development of an electro-adhesive docking mechanism to enable complex orbital operations such as satellite servicing, refueling, and active debris removal Current applications for electro adhesion can be seen within the biomedical, textiles, and terrestrial based robotics industries However, electro-adhesive forces can be leveraged for space applications due to its ultra-low power consumption, low maintenance, and the ability to dock with versatile surfaces and materials. Current spacecraft docking mechanisms require the use of grapples, arms, or nets all of which can have multiple failure points correlating to the number of arms used or the closure of the net mechanism More recent mechanisms leverage electro magnetic docking However, this method is constrained to with the ability to only dock with satellites or objects that have a complementary docking plate outfitted prior to launch Furthermore, electromagnetic forces pose the risk of permanently damaging the avionics onboard the servicing spacecraft as well as the Resident Space Object (RSO). During Phase I, In Orbit will assess the feasibility of using an electro adhesive docking method for spacecraft servicing by developing an electro adhesion model and the necessary guidance and control algorithms to enable safe docking Concurrently, In Orbit will reach out to key stakeholders within the Space Force Space Systems Command to identify the critical requirements for transitioning the proposed inspection module into operations.