Nautilus: GEO Survivability of Novel In-Space Docking Hardware & Capture Mechanism for High-Radiation Orbital Environments

Starfish Space envisions a future where autonomous robotic interaction in space is ubiquitous, enabling a thriving in-space community of scientific research, business, habitable platforms, exploration systems, and more. An underlying capability critical to enabling these missions is a universally-compatible, non-destructive capture system for in-space docking in all orbits. The ability to rendezvous and dock with unprepared spacecraft – those launched without pre-configured docking hardware – is vital to NASA’s overall goals as it will enable space exploration and science missions to expand well beyond Low-Earth Orbit (LEO). Such missions include satellite servicing, satellite life extension, in-space logistics, assembly, manufacturing, and active debris remediation (ADR). NASA seeks robotic systems for space exploration that operate in challenging environments and enable servicing and assembly applications. Successful use of robotic end-effectors are critical to accomplish robotic manipulation tasks for space vehicles while interacting with orbital assets and enabling in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) technology. A robust in-space capture capability is required to bring this future to life and is a key enabler of all RPOD missions. Without it, capture of unprepared surfaces and assembly of delicate structures in space is impossible. A universally-compatible capture mechanism will also open the door to new possibilities in servicing and assembly across all orbits. The ability to do this depends on two key innovations. First, survivable systems able to withstand the space environment in GEO and beyond. Second, robotic capture mechanisms capable of operating independent of prebuilt docking interfaces.

Nautilus enables a variety of NASA missions: 1) Proximity operations and docking in Earth orbit, cislunar space, lunar orbit, and Mars orbit (including Mars Sample Return), which require increased autonomy and reduced human involvement, 2) Servicing, upgrading, and extending the life of multibillion-dollar NASA science satellites, and 3) Removal of defunct satellites and orbital debris that endanger NASA spacecraft and critical space infrastructure such as the International Space Station.

Starfish has raised $20.75M from top VC’s, won $5.1M in U.S. Space Force contracts and a $3M contract with NSIC, and is building relationships with major satellite operators, who are interested in Nautilus to enable commercial missions such as satellite life extension and defunct satellite removal.

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