A New Formation Flying/Satellite Swarm Concept

NASA needs a method of not only propelling and rotating small satellites, but also to track their position and orientation. We propose a concept that will, for the first time, demonstrate both tracking and propulsion simultaneously in the same system. NASA plans to build a lab bench operational system capable of tracking the position and orientation of small satellites as well as producing forces and torques on them. The goal is to be able to direct a satellite to move to various positions and orientations and then see how well it can accomplish this. The position resolution achieved is a major goal of the project. We have previously demonstrated one directional forces and single torques to a satellite. We analyzed this and published a technique to extend it to more dimensions. This project began on May 1st 2014. As results are developed more information will be provided to this site.

This technology would benefit NASA missions with with free flying or near field satellite. Future satellite swarms and formation flying systems may use this technology to provide both forces and torques as well as tracking information. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has shown interest in this type of technology. Contactless tracking of a system may have commercial applications. Some of NASAs prior work in this area has been patented and commercialized.

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.

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.