Deep Space Autonomous Servicing

Goal: Demonstrate methods for autonomous deep space servicing and refueling, building off of existing work in system-level autonomy (JPL), hardware demonstrators (Caltech), and servicing dynamics (GSFC). Gap: WFIRST and future astrophysics flagships will require servicing capability. RESTORE-L docks autonomously, but performs refueling operations through teleoperation. L2 servicing will need local decision-making, requiring extension of RESTORE-L capability due to: 1) latency for teleoperation at L2 and 2) attitude control architecture to account for the dynamically varying moment of inertia as fuel is transferred. Approach: Extend JPL system-level autonomy, which permits cooperative system-level and controller-level decision-making, with dynamics models used in spacecraft servicing. Model mass motion and propagate knowledge to system-level decision-making. Extend docking autonomy software and hardware, already implemented in Caltech testbed, for refueling scenario. Leverage and extend RESTORE-L conops and models.

Work leverages developments from the 3X SRTD, as implemented at Caltech CAST, to demonstrate 1 autonomous refueling operations and 2) multiple mass transfer (i.e. module exchange & refueling). This work can later be infused in future servicing missions.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.