Disclosed are systems and methods for a distributed space transportation network. Satellite launches to orbit are more efficiently performed by large rockets. Modern satellites are in smaller form factor, leaving the large launch rockets with excess capacity. Small satellite operators can use ride-shares, but do not have efficient options for delivering their satellites to their desired destination and may be forced to operate their satellites in compromise orbits. The disclosed distributed space transportation network maintains a fleet of space tugs, which can dock with satellites in space at an initial arrival destination and transport the satellites to their final destinations. In one embodiment, the space tugs can dock with satellite depots to obtain fuel and repairs.

An apparatus for gripping fragile or irregularly shaped objects is provided. The apparatus includes a passive gripper assembly including an actuator for providing load to the passive gripper assembly. The passive gripper assembly further includes fingers to transmit the load to the object. Each finger includes a mechanical linkage to direct the load to the object, having a first end connected to the actuator and a second, free end. Each finger further includes a contact assembly disposed at the free end of the mechanical linkage that acts as a gripping interface. At least one of the contact assemblies is passive including deflectable elements configured to deflect upon contacting the object to distribute a gross clamping pressure. The load causes the fingers of the passive gripper assembly to close around the object such that the contact assemblies contact and apply the gross clamping pressure to the object.

An example system for controlling a target satellite includes: a satellite-control spacecraft including: a propulsion subsystem configured to propel and navigate the spacecraft proximate the target satellite; and a satellite-capture subsystem configured to: capture the target satellite; apply a control medium to the target satellite, the control medium including an electrically conducting and/or magnetic material; and release the target satellite; and an energization assembly configured to energize the control medium to release energy for controlling, propelling and navigating the target satellite.

An unpressurized cargo pallet including a pallet base having a frame, the frame being conformal with a structural exterior surface of a space vehicle to effect structural integration of the pallet base with the structural exterior surface of the space vehicle so that the pallet base forms a portion of the structural exterior surface, where the frame includes an interior surface, and an exterior surface that forms at least part of the structural exterior surface of the space vehicle, a cargo attachment interface disposed on the interior surface of the frame, and at least one grapple disposed on the exterior surface of the frame.

This present invention describes initial sequential methods for constructing and placing into operation a multi-purpose maintenance complex and a space dock in high geosynchronous orbit. This is dual function complex that can provide a orbital platforms to a commercial profitable enterprise or to the Department of Defense (DoD) to enhance their capabilities. A complex will have the capability to fabricate, assemble, test, and place into full operation any size orbital and planetary surface complexes and spacecraft. DoD mission capabilities embracing satellite repairs, research, national security and deterrence, space junk disposal support and other services while in orbit.

The present invention provides a capture mechanism for capturing and locking onto the Marman flange located on the exterior surfaces of spacecraft/satellites. The capture mechanism achieves its goal of quickly capturing a client spacecraft by splitting the two basic actions involved into two separate mechanisms. One mechanism performs the quick grasp of the target while the other mechanism rigidises that grasp to ensure that the target is held as firmly as desired.

Systems, methods, and devices for robotic capture of an object are provided. A system for robotic-based capture of a free flyer object includes a grapple fixture for mounting to the free flyer object and an end effector for capturing the free flyer object by interfacing with the grapple fixture. The grapple fixture includes a base and a deflectable probe. The end effector includes a probe guiding surface for deflecting and guiding a probe tip of the probe through an opening in the probe guiding surface and into a grappling position. The end effector includes a probe sensing element for sensing when the probe tip is in the grappling position and triggering a capture mechanism. The capture mechanism grapples the probe tip and an actuator retracts the capture mechanism to a predetermined position to establish a load-bearing interface between the free flyer object and the end effector.

A method and system for exploring a remote environment from an environment simulator or terrain replicator at a local base on Earth is disclosed. The system includes: at least one proxy robot in the remote environment with a near-field video camera and a high resolution 360-degree far field video camera; at least one additional surveillance means at the remote environment to capture images and data pertaining to the remote environment; an aggregator means to aggregate video from the cameras on the at least one proxy robot with the images and data from the at least one additional surveillance means; a transmitter means at the remote environment to transmit the aggregated video and data signals over a path to the local base; a receiver means at the local base to receive the aggregated video and data signals from the remote environment; a terrain analysis computer at the local base to receive and process the aggregated video and data signals to generate therefrom a 360-degree approximated real time (ART) video field precisely representing a terrain surrounding the at least one proxy robot in the remote environment; a display means in the environment simulator or the terrain replicator at the local base to receive and display the ART video field for at least one user; a full body motion capture suit means in the environment simulator or the terrain replicator marked to a plurality of dimensions of the at least one user, wherein activities performed virtually in the environment simulator or the terrain replicator represent the identical activities to be performed by the proxy robot in the terrain of the remote environment; a plurality of motion capture video cameras to capture video signals representing each move or position change in the full body motion capture suit; a follow-me data computer to receive the video signals from the plurality of motion capture video cameras, wherein the follow-me data computer processes the motion capture video signals into a follow-me data train for transmission to a follow-me data translator at the remote environment, and wherein the follow-me data computer further generates and directs data representing changes in the full body motion capture suit back to the terrain analysis computer for continuous updating of the ART video for the display means in the environment simulator or the terrain replicator to reflect position changes from the full body motion capture suit; a follow-me data translator at the remote environment to translate the follow-me data train into data code addressable to each electro-mechanical hinge, motor and synthetic muscle in the at least one proxy robot and cause the proxy robot to move through the remot

A space device includes: an adhesion part to adhere to a target existing in the space; and a propulsion part to obtain propulsion power. The space device that adheres to the target at the adhesion part moves together with the target by the propulsion part, thereby conveying the target to a predetermined target position.

An advanced tool drive system (ATDS) is capable of grasping a variety of tools through a common interface and provides multiple modes of operation for these tools for these tools. The ATDS is a combination of both a tool actuator and tool change-out mechanism and provides three nested drive actuators-two rotary and one linear. In addition to the tool drive, the ATDS includes four brushless direct current (BLDC) motors which provide the actuation torque to accomplish the multiple modes of ATDS operation, and a camera positioning mechanism (CPM) capable of viewing features on a client satellite or asteroid. By consolidating the drive actuation motors within the ATDS, the design of mating tools becomes less complex and reduces risk and cost of multiple drive actuators having to be installed in multiple tools.