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Rad-tolerant Avionics & Mechanisms for the Modern Space Economy- RAMMSE (RAMMSE)
Completed
Description
Motiv Space Systems (Motiv) proposes RAMMSE—a cost-effective, radiation-tolerant advancement of power-dense actuation, motor drive, and control electronics for in-space robotic manipulation. By leveraging Motiv’s existing xLink Gen2 motion control and actuator hardware, RAMMSE bridges the gap between high-cost, long-lead spaceflight hardware and rapidly deployable, lower-cost alternatives. This effort will evaluate, modify, and qualify Motiv’s EDU-grade Motor Controller (DELTA Stack) and next-generation actuators to advance toward spaceflight readiness. The active components and sensors within the EDU DELTA Stack motor controller and actuators, derived from Motiv’s flight-proven xLink Gen1, will undergo Total Ionizing Dose (TID) testing and Single Event Effects (SEE) evaluation to validate radiation tolerance. Hardware modifications, including component substitutions, shielding techniques, and firmware mitigations, will be implemented as necessary to enhance survivability in extreme environments. By utilizing pre-existing hardware, this program maximizes development efficiency while reducing cost and schedule risks. The Path to Flight Plan will outline a streamlined approach for transitioning the modified EDU hardware to a space-qualified system in Phase II, enabling broader adoption across NASA and commercial space applications. RAMMSE directly addresses NASA’s need for efficient, space-qualified robotic actuation and motor control systems, supporting applications in lunar surface operations, in-space servicing, and ISAM. This technology aligns with NASA civil space shortfalls #1545, #1546, and #1538, establishing a scalable, cost-effective solution for future robotic missions.
Benefits
Lunar Applications • CLPS Robotic Sampling Missions • ENDURANCE-A Rover Robotic Systems Mars Missions • Sample Return Robotic Systems • Small Landed Scientific Sampler Missions Orbital Missions • Large Telescope Construction Robotics • ISAM Service missions o Refueling o Repair o Orbital Tugs Lunar Applications • Commercial Surface Construction and Outfitting Orbital Missions • ISAM Service missions o Refueling o Repair o Orbital Tugs • Commercial Space Station Tending Robotics
Details
| Technology area | Robotic Systems |
| Program | Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer (SBIR/STTR) |
| Lead organization | Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX |
| Start date | 2025-09-30 |
| End date | 2026-03-27 |
Project contacts
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How to get involved
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.
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