Methods and systems to control stacked hexapod platforms for use as tools, which function with both high accuracy and high precision are provided. In some embodiments, the methods and systems include a convergence of modern control theory, and machine learning. Furthermore, some embodiments provide control algorithms to carry out autonomous in-space assembly operations using assemblers. Some embodiments provide methods and systems which combine long-reach low precision manipulators and smaller, high-precision assembler with interchangeable tools.

A first step of propelling a transport ship from a low earth orbit or a geostationary transfer orbit to a targeted orbit or a destination with electric propulsion is provided.

A capture interface is provided. The capture interface is configured to be rigidly affixed to an external surface of a recovery object and captured by a capture device. The capture interface includes a matte ferromagnetic surface of flat disposition and geometric outline, configured to facilitate capture by the capture device. The ferromagnetic surface includes a capture interface identifier.

The invention comprises a system of using small, hidden, machine-to-machine (M2M) chips to track automobiles through the radio emissions of the chips, and to use M2M chips as a defense against theft generally, by tracking potentially stolen items through the radio emissions of M2M chips. Users can monitor potential theft of the different parts of an automobile because the chips embedded into the automobile components will be constantly communicating with each other. Spacecraft and other near-earth objects, and drones, can also be tracked by M2M chips, that can be designed in a manner that makes them extremely difficult to find. The M2M chips can be designed in numerous different shapes, and use very little power. Some of the M2M chips are silicon wafer chips with small logic gates.

An enclosed volume is provided for performing operations in space, or on any astronomical object, in a manner separated from aspects of the external environment. The enclosed volume can be a flexible container for a satellite. The enclosed volume can include a membrane having a fluid barrier layer and being configured to contain a propellant gas or fluid; and an expulsion device configured to expel material from the membrane. In a stowed configuration, the flexible container is contained within the satellite, and in a deployed configuration, the flexible container extends away from the satellite. The flexible container can inflate from one shape, in the undeployed configuration, to another shape, in a deployed configuration. The other shape can be toroidal or other appropriate shapes. The flexible container can provide bipropellant, blowdown, and gas/fluid metering functionality. Entertainment and game play can be enabled by the enclosed volume involving robots and other devices.

A positioning device includes at least one processor. The at least one processor detects a light source and a target object different from the light source in an image captured by an imager. A moving object has the imager and moves in a space. The at least one processor derives a position of the moving object in the space based on positions of the light source and the target object in the image and known positions of the light source and the target object in the space.

An item to write on a surface of a celestial body that has less atmosphere than Earth is received at a communications station and from a user device. An instruction that triggers the robot to write the item on the surface of the celestial body is provided by the communications station and to a robot on the surface of the celestial body. An image of the item written on the surface of the celestial body is received by the communications station and from the robot. The image of the item written on the surface of the celestial body is provided by the communications station and to the user device.

A reprovisionable spacecraft and reprovisioning subassemblies for mating with a reprovisionable spacecraft are both described. The reprovisionable spacecraft has one or more mechanical, thermal, data, and or electrical mating interfaces for attaching, powering, and communicating with a reprovisioning subassembly, which for one embodiment is a self-contained thruster unit. The self-contained thruster unit preferably comprises a fuel tank, control electronics, and a thruster assembly. Alternately, a reprovisioning subassembly can comprise a fuel tank and control electronics, a fuel tank, or a thruster. Also, a reprovisionable spacecraft may be carried into orbit without reprovisioning subassemblies attached, and then deployed after reprovisioning subassemblies have been attached to their respective mating interfaces. Reprovisioning utilizing a self-contained thruster unit or tank eliminates the large risk associated with refueling satellites in space. Reprovisioning also eliminates the need for a dedicated attached life extension vehicle.

End effectors and systems may capture, release, and/or create a mating engagement between the end effector and a target object, such as in capture and launch applications, grasping applications, or pick-and-place applications. The end effectors are tolerant of positional and rotational misalignment of the target object, and may include a plurality of roller wheels, one or more of which is arranged in a non-parallel plane with respect to one or more other roller wheels. Control devices enable operation of these and other end effectors in a portable, self-contained system that a single operator can use in a hand-held or wearable form factor. The control devices may include a drive system for power transfer, manual and automatic leveling or angular positioning mechanisms, and/or operator-mounting features. Related methods may involve capture and release, pick-and-place, and/or grasping operations performed with the disclosed control device and one or more end effectors coupled thereto.

Described is a spacecraft locker configured be deployed in outer space and configured to assemble satellites (e.g., CubeSats) within it and deploy them in outer space. In an embodiment, an unmanned spacecraft includes a housing configured to be deployed in a microgravity environment, the housing having an access point (e.g. a door), a storage area configured to store parts of a satellite, one or more robots movably positioned in the housing, and a controller configured to control at least one of the one or more robots to access parts from the storage area and to assemble the parts on an assembly platform of the housing. The controller may also control deployment of the assembled satellite through the door of the housing to a position in the microgravity environment.