The Promise of ISAM Technologies

In the coming decade, robotic servicing is expected to bring about the dawn of a new era of extended and upgraded spacecraft utility, saving billions of dollars in satellite manufacturing costs. Servicing will also help lay the groundwork for in-space assembly capabilities that promise unprecedented scientific measurements from large telescopes unconstrained by fairing size, and persistent platforms designed for modular instrument replacement. In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) technologies create the opportunity to manufacture new structures and components, repair and repurpose structures on-orbit, expand the scale of scientific instruments, and extend the service life of on-orbit assets. To make this vision of the future a reality, NASA and industry need to work together to facilitate the transfer of technology.

ISAM Technology Transfer Workshop

NASA hosted an annual technology transfer workshop to facilitate the transfer of ISAM technologies to U.S. industry. Due to precautions surrounding COVID-19, the fifth OSAM Technology Transfer Workshop was held virtually on September 22-23. Workshop attendees enjoy access to an updated technology catalog, information about the latest developments from NASA subject matter experts, and a tour of NASA facilities.

The workshop was expanded to two days to include additional segments from other government agencies and presentations from industry innovators. Presentations include an introduction to ISAM technologies that NASA has developed in support of OSAM-1 and OSAM-2 missions, as well as information on licensing processes and contract opportunities. The workshop was jointly hosted by NASA’s Langley Research Center, Goddard Space Flight Center, and Marshall Space Flight Center. There is no cost to attend this workshop.

Workshop Objective

NASA is currently working on several projects to develop ISAM technologies and operations. These projects represent tangible progress towards making ISAM a reality and towards testing technologies that help NASA, other government agencies, and the private sector achieve space exploration goals including returning to the Moon and landing humans on Mars. To facilitate ISAM, NASA is proactively transferring technologies to the commercial sector.

By providing U.S companies with early access and an equal playing field to ISAM technologies, NASA is helping to jumpstart multiple new space-related industries including a satellite servicing market. Numerous new and unforeseen opportunities are certain once ISAM capabilities are fully developed and utilized.

NASA is interested in a robust, domestic satellite servicing, assembly, and manufacturing industry that could provide the U.S. government with cost-effective options for meeting future mission needs while also bolstering the domestic economy.

Agenda

We expanded the agenda to two days to include additional segments. These additions provide a broader vision for ISAM technologies across NASA and other government agencies and highlight industry innovators. Segments include:

• NASA Programs: NASA HQ program offices highlight ISAM capability needs and funding opportunities
• ISAM Outlook: Address the commercial forecast for ISAM
• Industry Innovators: Feature select companies that have enjoyed recent success at implementing ISAM in space
• Broad Government Pull: Highlight the OSAM capability needs from other government agencies

Technology innovators provided a preview presentation with embedded audio recordings that was sent to registered participants in advance of the workshop. Participants were also be sent a link to submit questions on the preview content, which our speakers used to update their charts for clarity, and which they addressed in real-time.

Day 1 Agenda Day 2 Agenda
Featured Speakers : Day 1 Featured Speakers : Day 2

Workshop Summary

NASA Langley Research Center, Goddard Space Flight Center, and Marshall Space Flight Center jointly hosted the virtual 2020 ISAM Technology Transfer Workshop on September 22-23. The workshop promoted ISAM innovation as well as collaborations between government agencies and domestic companies to achieve space exploration goals. The event was attended by over 300 people across industry, government, and academia, and engaged participants submitted almost 200 questions during the workshop. Marshall Space Flight Center is planning to host the next ISAM Technology Transfer Workshop in 2021—details for the event will be posted to this website as they are developed.