Proving Satellite Servicing

Need extra gas or a tune-up for your satellite? For years, such services were outside the realm of possibility for most spacecraft. But now, one mission will break that paradigm.

Meet OSAM-1 (short for On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 1), a robotic spacecraft equipped with the tools, technologies and techniques needed to extend satellites' lifespans - even if they were not designed to be serviced on orbit.

During its mission, the OSAM-1 servicer will rendezvous with, grasp, refuel and relocate a government-owned satellite to extend its life. But OSAM-1's effect will not end there.

The benefits are many. OSAM-1’s capabilities can give satellite operators new ways to manage their fleets more efficiently, and derive more value from their initial investment. These capabilities could even help mitigate the looming problem of orbital debris.

Successfully completing this mission will demonstrate that servicing technologies are ready for incorporation into other NASA missions, including exploration and science ventures. NASA is also transferring OSAM-1 technologies to commercial entities to help jumpstart a new domestic servicing industry.

Artist's concept of OSAM-1. Credit: NASA [hi-res]

Space Infrastructure Dexterous Robot (SPIDER)

Video Credit: Maxar

The OSAM-1 spacecraft will include an attached payload called Space Infrastructure Dexterous Robot (SPIDER).

SPIDER includes a lightweight 16-foot (5-meter) robotic arm, bringing the total number of robotic arms flying on OSAM-1 to three. Previously known as Dragonfly during the ground demonstration phase of the NASA Tipping Point partnership, SPIDER will assemble seven elements to form a functional 9-foot (3-meter) communications antenna. The robotically assembled antenna will demonstrate Ka-band transmission with a ground station.

The payload also will manufacture a 32-foot (10-meter) lightweight composite beam using technology developed by Tethers Unlimited of Bothell, Washington. The assembly and manufacturing element of the demonstration will verify the capability to construct large spacecraft structures in orbit.

SPIDER will help mature space technologies with many potential cross-cutting applications, including:

Enabling new architectures and capabilities for a wide range of government and commercial missions
Enabling In-space construction of large communications antennae and telescopes
Eliminating volume limits imposed by rockets
Replacing some astronaut extravehicular activity tasks with precision robotics
Introducing the potential for longer mission durations enabled by planned or unplanned maintenance

The Mission Formerly Known as Restore-L

Up until April 2020, OSAM-1 was called Restore-L to highlight how servicing capabilities can return a satellite to its original capability. With the addition of the SPIDER payload, NASA decided to change the mission’s name in order to fully encapsulate the expanded scope of the world’s first ever servicing, assembly, and manufacturing mission.

OSAM-1 will be the first of multiple planned missions to bring key OSAM technologies to operational status. This foundational mission will demonstrate various world’s firsts from the refueling of a satellite not designed to be serviced, to In-space robotic precision assembly. OSAM-2 (formerly known as Archinaut) will be the second installment in the series of demonstrations.

Who Benefits?

NASA, the United States, and commercial industry - and others who also rely on satellites for data services. Already, NASA is incorporating elements of the core OSAM-1 technologies into the architecture for the Journey to Mars.

Bringing OSAM-1 to Life

It takes years of testing, countless hours of design, and five new technologies to make robotic satellite servicing a reality. Here's a breakdown of the key elements of OSAM-1.

Enabling a New Era diagram. Credit:NASA [hi-res]

Servicing Technologies

1. AUTONOMOUS, REAL-TIME RELATIVE NAVIGATION SYSTEM
Sensors, algorithms and a processor join forces, allowing OSAM-1 to rendezvous safely with its client.

2. SERVICING AVIONICS
In addition to ingesting and crunching sensor data, these elements control OSAM-1's rendezvous and robotic tasks.

3. DEXTEROUS ROBOTIC ARMS
Two nimble, maneuverable arms precisely execute servicing assignments. Software comes included.

4. ADVANCED TOOL DRIVE AND TOOLS
Sophisticated, multifunction tools are manufactured to execute each servicing task.

5. PROPELLANT TRANSFER SYSTEM
This system delivers measured amounts of fuel to the client at the right temperature, pressure and rate.

Mission Facts

ORBIT: Polar low Earth orbit (LEO)

CLIENT: A satellite in LEO owned by the U.S. government

OPERATIONS: Autonomous rendezvous and grasping with telerobotic refueling and relocation

MANAGEMENT: The Space Technology Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters and the Satellite Servicing Projects Division at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

NASA's Exploration & In-space Services

NExIS

OSAM-1 Mission

On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 1