Satellite Servicing TechnologiesSingle Aperture Multifunctional Optical Sensor

This sequential Phase II proposal is to address the NASA Technical Need Area 2023-3: Active Debris Removal (ADR). To address this need, RC Integrated Systems LLC (RISL) proposes to advance the development of a novel Miniature Optical Proximity Sensor (MOPS) technology that has been developed under a NASA-funded SBIR Phase II project to a deployable Single Aperture Multifunctional Optical Sensor (SAMOS). The MOPS was developed to provide proximity sensing with submm range resolution for the measurement of an arbitrary object ranging from contact to over 20 cm to support satellite servicing applications. The SAMOS will achieve more functions and better performances than the current MOPS; it will realize noncontact measurement of the target range and velocity with operating distance from contact up to 10 m using a single aperture optical head. The SAMOS could be used to support the Mission Extension Vehicle-1 (MEV-1) and MEV-2 missions in reliable and safe docking of the MEVs to the serviced satellites. SAMOS will address at least two areas in the ADR: (1) improvements in propulsion and rendezvous, proximity operations, and capture (RPOC) for small satellites to enable the attachment of drag devices or maneuver capabilities to large debris, and (2) non-contact-based capability to impart small velocity changes to space objects.

Potential NASA Applications The SAMOS can directly be used by NASA on a robotic arm to enhance satellite servicing. It can measure the distance from the end of the robotic arm to the adjacent free flying satellite which would reduce the risk of a collision or missed capture. It could be applicable to the MEV-1, MEV-2, and OSAM-1 missions as well as other potential servicing missions, platform demonstrations, or smallsats. It could also be applicable to refueling at Artemis. Potential Non-NASA Applications The SAMOS can be mounted on any robotic arms for industrial applications such as welding, material handling, thermal spraying, and painting and drilling. Military applications of the SAMOS sensor will include proximity fuzes for a wide range of munitions platforms. It can also be applied to traffic safety (collision avoidance), and residential and industrial facility security.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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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