On-Orbit Optical Technologies for a Robotic Spacecraft Servicer

SpaceWorks Enterprises, Inc. has initiated a new design and development effort to produce and deploy a small, reusable Robotic Spacecraft Servicer (RSS). The RSS will provide commercial satellite repair, maintenance, refueling, re-boost, and deorbit services in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Current objects of interest include cooperative & non-cooperative spacecraft and orbital debris approximately 50 kg or smaller. This STTR proposal targets Focus Area #1 of the SpaceWERX Orbital Prime AF21S-TSCO1 solicitation – on-orbit object identification and approach. SpaceWorks is partnering with the Space Systems Design Lab (SSDL) at Georgia Tech to mature critical technologies for the RSS in the areas of optical sensing and computer vision. A four-month Feasibility Study and Technology Investigation effort is proposed under Phase 1. We will also refine our estimates of the commercial market for the RSS, with identification of potential military and commercial customers and preliminary pricing strategies. An actionable plan for Phase II leading to a demonstration will be prepared. The University of Georgia Small Satellite Research Lab (SSRL) is included on our Phase 1 team as a subject matter expert related to advanced onboard Space-AI data processing techniques.