Noncooperative Capture Start-up Catches NASA, DARPA

Altius performing a Zero G proof of concept test on their electrostatic sticky boom (Credits: Altius Space Machines).

Altius Space Machines has entered an unfunded Space Agreement Act with NASA for development of a Compact Stowable Manipulator (CSM) for the Orion crew vehicle. The Colorado based startup is already under contract with US Defense Advanced Research Projects (DARPA) for services relating to the Phoenix spacecraft designed to recycle orbiting satellites. The two collaborations provide advancements in the capture of orbital debris.

The CSM concept is to provide a collapsible but long-reach robotic arm. Such an arm would serve the same role as the Canadian built arms on the Space Shuttle and International Space Station. However, Altius aims to take their arm one step further: “When combined with a noncooperative payload capture technology, the CSM would also enable satellite servicing, small-package delivery/return, and rendezvous/capture of nanosat-scale free flyers or sample return canisters.”

That noncooperative capture payload is what the company calls a “sticky boom,” an extendable arm equipped with a capture mechanism such as electrostatic adhesion. Such a boom could be used to enable satellite servicing and orbital debris removal, in addition to checking on its mount’s thermal protection system and helping out with extravehicular activities. If installed on ISS, the boom could be used to catch deliveries to ISS, thereby lightening rendezvous requirements, allowing for “just in time” delivery of needed supplies.

Altius will be working with NASA’s Langley Research Center on the development of compact packaging for their arm. Similar technology is needed for their DARPA work, focused on development of a collaspible tubular arm to be used to carry small equipment like lights and cameras in assistance to Phoenix’s main satellite capture appendages. Phoenix is intended to demonstrate the capability to recycle defunct satellite parts from in orbit.

Below, a 2011 Zero G test of the Altius sticky boom capturing a 3 lb copper ball: