Novel Methodology for Control and Stabilization of Spacecraft with Captured Asteroid, Year 1

Completed TRL 6 (started at 4, targeting 6)

Description

Development of novel spacecraft guidance control architectures and algorithms that work in conjunction with robot manipulator control for application to ARM mission type. Emphasis will be placed on new mission scenario of controlling the spacecraft while collecting a multi-ton boulder from the surface of a large near-Earth asteroid. Computer simulation demonstration and performance analysis of control and stabilization algorithms.

Benefits

Results of this CIF project, such as first-of-a-kind tools for stabilization and control of a spacecraft-boulder combination and synchronized robotic arm control, will have direct application to NASA and DoD (DARPA, Navy, Air Force) missions for rendezvous with tumbling spacecraft for in-orbit servicing and in-orbit construction.

Details

Technology area	Robotic Systems > Autonomous Rendezvous and Docking > Robot Control for Vehicle Capture and Berthing
Program	Center Innovation Fund: JPL CIF (JPL CIF)
Lead organization	Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA
Start date	2014-11-01
End date	2015-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Miguel San Martin
Fred Y Hadaegh — fred.y.hadaegh@jpl.nasa.gov
Stanley L Chung

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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.

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.