Novel Methodology for Control and Stabilization of Spacecraft with Captured Asteroid, Year 2

Development of novel spacecraft guidance control architectures and algorithms that work in conjunction with robot manipulator control for application to ARM mission type. Emphasis will be placed on new mission scenario of controlling the spacecraft while collecting a multi-ton boulder from the surface of a large near-Earth asteroid. Computer simulation demonstration and performance analysis of control and stabilization algorithms.

Results of this CIF project, such as first-of-a-kind tools for stabilization and control of a spacecraft-boulder combination and synchronized robotic arm control, will have direct application to NASA and DoD (DARPA, Navy, Air Force) missions for rendezvous with tumbling spacecraft for in-orbit servicing and in-orbit construction.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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