Boom-Enabled Actuating Manipulator (BEAM)

The Boom Enabled Actuating Manipulator (BEAM) system delivers a novel extended-reach deployable robotic manipulation system, answering NASA’s call for innovative solution to overcome challenges of exploring increasingly scientifically challenging and important terrains. In Phase II, the BEAM subsystems will be demonstrated at TRL 5 via operation in a simulated planetary environment. The critical subsystems will then be integrated for a system operational demonstration, validating the BEAM design at the system level. Dynovas has aligned strategic partnerships within the Phase II effort to enable delivery of BEAM system designed for a specific mission integration target – such as CLPS, rovers, or VSAT – that supported by mechanism designs with flight heritage. The BEAM system utilizes a deployment boom capable of extending up to 10m in length with integrated smart material actuators to enable articulation along the length of the boom, achieving up to 10° of deflection at the tip of the boom. The bistable deployable boom is supported at the root by the deployer housing structure, in which it coils up for compact packaging when stowed. The boom deployer is mounted on a rotating gimbal platform, enabling ±90° of rotation in elevation and azimuth for both vertical and horizontal deployment. The gimbal mechanism in combination with the articulation along the length of the deployable structure unlocks extra degrees of freedom, providing a modular and adaptable arm capable of reaching locations previously inaccessible without astronaut intervention. The BEAM systems are configurable to deliver a robotic manipulation system solution for not only sample collection and handling, but also inspection via cameras or probes. The BEAM system is scalable for each application, enabling its integration and commercialization on platforms from micro-rovers to MER-class rovers, CLPS, or LTV for Lunar and Mars exploration and future deep space missions for other celestial bodies.

Enhanced Mobility and Manipulation in Space: With its advanced deployable structures and compatibility with various end-effectors, the BEAM system can facilitate intricate sample collection, scientific experiments, and repair tasks on celestial bodies or in orbit, aligning with NASA's goals for Mars exploration, lunar surface missions under the Artemis program, and robotic missions to asteroids and moons. Efficiency and Cost-effectiveness: The BEAM system's SWaP-C optimization contributes to reducing mission costs and improving spacecraft efficiency. This is crucial for extending the duration and scope of NASA's missions, including the long-term human habitation plans on the Moon and Mars. Technological Innovation for Future Missions: By integrating novel materials and structural mechanisms, the BEAM system embodies the cutting-edge technology NASA seeks for future missions to explore the solar system's farthest reaches, including potential missions to Earth's moon, Mars, Venus, Europa, Titan, comets/asteroids and beyond. The commercialization of space-enabled robotics, based on the BEAM system, presents a significant opportunity to revolutionize a wide range of industries, both in space and on Earth. As space exploration and commercialization continue to advance, the demand for innovative robotics solutions is expected to grow substantially. The commercial segment of the space robotics market is projected to experience significant growth, underlined by a projected market valuation of $8 billion by 2031. These technologies offer critical support for tasks including satellite servicing and debris removal, lunar and Martian exploration, asteroid mining, as well as the construction of space habitats and infrastructures. Commercialization opportunities also extend to partnerships with non-US governmental space agencies, leveraging their missions and objectives to develop technologies that benefit both space exploration and commercial interests.

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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