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CIRAS: Commercial Infrastructure for Robotic Assembly and Servicing (CIRAS)
Completed
TRL 5 (started at 4, targeting 6)
Description
Commercial Infrastructure for Robotic Assembly and Servicing (CIRAS) project pursued space-based, robotic assembly of flight hardware and space systems, using innovative technologies including NASA's Tension Actuated Long-reach In-Space Manipulator (TALISMAN) to reduce the costs and potential human hazards associated with hardware transfer and assembly activities. The project aimed to: demonstrate robotic reversible joining methods for mechanical and electrical connections; develop a feasible concept to validate space assembly geometries; and demonstrate repeatable module-to-module interfaces for in-space structural assembly. Orbital ATK performed an integrated ground demonstration, including a robotically deployed rigid backbone and welding using precision alignment. A modular solar array was attached and detached to demonstrate assembly and reuse.
Benefits
CIRAS is developing tools to enable assembly of large modular structures in space and their reconfiguration as desired.
Details
| Technology area | Materials, Structures, Mechanical Systems, and Manufacturing > Mechanical Systems > Electromechanical, Mechanical, and Micromechanical Devices |
| Program | Technology Demonstration Missions (TDM) |
| Lead organization | Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, Redondo Beach, CA |
| Start date | 2016-09-01 |
| End date | 2018-09-30 |
Project contacts
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
How to get involved
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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.