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Completed TRL 6 (started at 3, targeting 6)
BSS proposes to develop a Resilient Independent Propulsive Controlled On-orbit Recovery Device (RIPCORD) that is cost effective, scalable, and modular to provide plugand-play deorbit capability. RIPCORD would be stowed on an orbiting vehicle and attached to a target object to provide propulsion, pointing, and rapid deorbit capabilities. RIPCORD consists of three main subsystems: 1) propulsion; 2) guidance navigation and control; and 3) command and data handling coupled with BSS’ SmartAIM, an intelligent on-orbit mobility control software. RIPCORD is developed to offer a cost-effective commercially viable solution that provides utility for deorbiting debris ranging from 100 kg – 10,000 kg. A direct cost comparison and price target for RIPCORD is based upon the NASA report “Cost and Benefit Analysis of Orbital Debris Remediation” which estimated a price range of $4,000/kg - $60,000/kg of debris removed. However, this report was unable to consider the efficacy and near-term commercialization of a concept such as RIPCORD which was directly stated in the study: “A few options could reduce the cost... separate the functionality for rendezvousing, capturing, and detumbling the target from the de-orbit propulsion system.” The proposed concept development will illustrate that implementing a strategy for deorbiting large objects using a disposable high-thrust propulsion system will drive down the cost of debris removal and allow for new analysis to be performed on the optimal strategy for debris remediation.
BSS views the space environment as a precious resource that must be protected andmaintained to allow for safe satellite operations which are now staples in human day-to-day activities such as long-distance communications, navigation, weather forecasting &analysis, Earth observation, scientific research, and product manufacturing such as proteincrystals and pharmaceuticals. Each of these sectors are supported by NASA initiatives andmissions which could be impacted by potential collisions from debris on-orbit. This drivesthe need to strategically maintain and clean up the space environment as additionalsatellites are launched creating a congested environment which could lead to catastrophic environmental conditions if there were collisions in space. RIPCORD also providesalternative use cases for NASA including life extensions and propulsion replacement on-orbit. Bespoke satellites that serve long term needs such as the Hubble Space Telescopeand Chandra have surpassed their projected lifetimes significantly. However, thesesatellites need to continue to perform station keeping maneuvers to remain fullyoperational and a configuration of RIPCORD could support further extension of life forthese types of assets. Non NASA: There exists several commercial organizations dedicated to debris removal activities suchas Astroscale (ESLA-M), Kall Morris Inc, and Clearspace (Clearspace-1) as well ascommercial organizations performing prospective missions for RPOD including NorthropGrumman (MEV), Starfish Space, and Lockheed Martin (LINUSS). Each of thesecommercial companies have either demonstrated or will be demonstrating RPODcapabilities which could be used for potential deorbiting missions that utilize RIPCORD asa low-cost, low-risk solution. RIPCORD supports each of these organizations by providinga multi-use technology focused on providing mobility to debris or operational satellites thathave low or no propellant remaining. A benefit to RIPCORD is the cost-effective approachand extensive scalability range that Benchmark uses to develop the propulsion capabilitywhich would increase the revenue earned for these types of missions. NorthropGrumman’s MEV mission was the first of its kind and can be used as a baseline for newand novel missions that RIPCORD could support to extend the life of a satellite or upgradethe propulsive capability of an asset on-orbit.
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