Active Debris Removal (ADR) Resilient Independent Propulsive Controlled On-orbit Recovery Device (RIPCORD)

Benchmark Space Systems proposes to continue development of Resilient Independent Propulsive Controlled On-orbit Recovery Device (RIPCORD), a cost effective, scalable, and modular system to provide plug-and-play deorbit capability. RIPCORD would be initially stowed on a servicing vehicle and attached to a target object to provide propulsion, pointing, and rapid deorbit capabilities. RIPCORD consists of three main subsystems: 1) propulsion system; 2) modular attachment interface; and 3) command and data handling coupled with BSS’ SmartAIMTM, an intelligent on-orbit mobility control software. RIPCORD applies a low-cost, commercially offered, TRL 9 propulsion capability that effectively and efficiently deorbits debris ranging from 100 kg – 10,000 kg. RIPCORD is inherently scalable through the addition of thrusters and increase in propellant tank sizes resulting in a ‘right-sized’ solution that meets mission needs. It is estimated that when modifying current best-in-class Concept of Operations (CONOPS) where an exquisite servicer is used to perform rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking (RPOD) maneuvers to attach and subsequently bring debris to a safe disposal altitude, that applying RIPCORD will dramatically reduce lifecycle cost, mitigate and eliminate mission risks, increase mission capability & control, and provide additional redundancy to the servicing vehicle.

Debris remediation, life extension, kick-stage, scalable propulsion, RPOD operations. Life extension, kick-stage, asset repositioning, scalable propulsion, streamlined interfacing, RPOD operations.

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.