Clean Robotics Containment Covers

In-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) is an emerging national initiative to transform the way spacecraft are designed, built, and operated in space. The goal of the initiative is to develop a strategic framework to enable robotic servicing, repair, assembly, manufacturing, and inspection of space assets. Significant improvements in cleanliness of robotic systems that will enable in-space servicing and assembly of highly sensitive spacecraft and platforms, such as the Habitable Worlds Observatory and other future telescopes (Figure 1). With increasing inclusion of in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing in future architectures, there is a need to reduce contamination for operations around highly sensitive platforms. The current state of the art for robot systems poses risks for servicing of platforms with ultraviolet systems that may be susceptible to contamination which could dramatically reduce instrument performance. Moving parts, lubrication, thermal management systems, harnesses, and sensors are likely to result in outgassing, particulate ejection, and other forms of contamination. Moonprint will develop containment solutions that can be applied to a range of robotic systems to capture and sequester any contaminants from robotic systems. Containment solutions offer a predictable accounting of contamination sources that can be factored into future standards for quantifying contamination ranges to be expected. This will aid with verification and validation approaches for mission assurance and account for changes in ISAM robotic equipment over time such as component wear or unpredictable circumstances. Containment solutions will support a layered strategy of contamination mitigation to meet mission specific contamination budgets, including ISAM robotic systems and terrestrial cleanroom equipment such as lifts during manufacture. ISAM cover solutions provide design freedom for robotic system developers and reduce mission costs.

In-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) robotic system contamination control when servicing Habitable Worlds Observatories. Future On-orbit Servicing Assembly and Manufacturing (OSAM) robotic systems contamination control or protection of robotic elements used for Assembly, Installation, Relocation, and Recovery. The cover technology is also applicable to clean room equipment (lifts / hoists) to reduce contamination during manufacture. The technology may also support some planetary protection applications where robots or portions of spacecraft need to be contained. Supporting space logistics delivery robots to provide contamination control or protection to the robotic assemblies. DARPA/DoD or commercial entity Mission Robotic Vehicle contamination control or system protection. Clean robotic covers that can be used in clean room applications such as semiconductors or in aseptic processing for medical use.

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.