SBIR/STTR

DEORBIT

The Decluttering of Earth Orbit to Repurpose for Bespoke Innovative Technologies (DEORBIT) system enables increased transportation and manipulation of materials in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO). It is designed to operate on its own to calculate critical information about an unknown object in space, where it can than maneuver and mobilize the component or call on other assets from a multi-vehicle system to help perform the activity. The system is able to clear and qualify a build zone in LEO to enable safer fabrication in support of successful On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (OSAM). The system further adapts to the manufacturing process to help manipulate components in the construction process, adding value and safety both before and after the start of OSAM procedures. This makes the DEORBIT system a robust dual-purpose technology that enables more efficient OSAM processes and mitigates risks that exist in the localized build site to increase safety and feasibility in the environment.

VIPER

The Vacuum Impregnation Process for Extraterrestrial Realization (VIPER) payload seeks to advance process development for Vacuum Pressure Impregnation (VPI) on-orbit to enhance power generation equipment manufacturing techniques. The VPI process increases dielectric strength of an electrical assembly while enhancing thermal insulation properties and mitigating potential catastrophic issues caused by Foreign Object Debris (FOD) in the system. Expansion of power systems on orbit benefits colonization efforts in space, maturing motor generator manufacturing processes that impact fluid management and safe operation of habitats. Whether energy needs are localized to a craft or developed on a grid, the ability to originate assemblies that are powered by or provide power to other components in space reduces reliance on terrestrial deliveries. Enhanced fabrication capabilities in space diminish launch risks, with delivery missions acting in the logistics chain for material resupply purposes. VIPER fosters increased self-reliance of space-based processes through advancement in the VPI procedure that enhances power generation development by supplementing current on-orbit pursuits while opening new opportunities for support technologies.