Strengthening the Resiliency of US Satellites in GEO ...€¦ · SSL image . Artist’s Concept ....
Transcript of Strengthening the Resiliency of US Satellites in GEO ...€¦ · SSL image . Artist’s Concept ....
Strengthening the Resiliency of US Satellites in GEO Through On-Orbit Servicing
Todd Master Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
Arlington, VA
International Symposium on Ensuring Stable Use of Outer Space Tokyo, Japan
1 March 2019
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• There are many ways to achieve/increase resiliency for our GEO assets • Harden them • Disaggregate them • Move them
• This talk will focus on a new way of increasing resiliency – on-orbit servicing • Servicing allows for replenishment of consumables (e.g., fuel) • Servicing allows for repair of (some) damaged items • Servicing allows for up-close inspection so that damage can be understood (and
attributed) • Servicing allows for installation of new items that can either support resiliency
goals (e.g., SSA) or can provide new capabilities
• More specifically, this talk will focus on a DARPA-funded servicing system
known as Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS)
Resiliency for GEO spacecraft
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Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS)
Goal: To create a dexterous robotic operational capability in geosynchronous orbit
Benefits:
• Increased resilience for the current U.S. space infrastructure
• The first concrete step toward a transformed space architecture with revolutionary capabilities
Cooperatively inspect spacecraft experiencing anomalies
Cooperatively assist with orbit adjustments
Cooperatively correct mechanical problems
Cooperatively install self contained payloads on-orbit
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GEO today
• Single fairing constraint
• No response to failures
• Fixed capabilities
The potential of space robotics
GEO future
• On-orbit assembly
• On-orbit servicing
• On-orbit upgrades
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Robotics can enable a transformation of space
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Vision: A servicing ecosystem in GEO
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Spacecraft maneuver
Restore orbit
Rendezvous, Dock
Present-day GEO asset
Future GEO asset
Delivery: PODs
Delivery: ESPA, secondary, dedicated
Acquire, transport
Future small satellite
Future GEO asset
Acquire, transport,
unpack
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Why DARPA chose GEO
Large concentration of serviceable, accessible assets ~5:1 commercial to government More data Reduced cost Available for
government when needed
National security benefits from robust revenue stream
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No end in sight for GEO satellite anomalies
©arianespace.com
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• OAC systems can add vital capabilities to existing on-orbit unmodified operational satellites
• OACs represent a major new element for in-space servicing • Installation of capabilities allows evolution of mission capabilities • Mitigates unanticipated threats and leverages opportunities
• Concept • Self-contained unit (power, data, comms, command) requiring only
structural attachment to existing space vehicle hard-point • E.g., Solar array boom, Marman ring, empty launch lock, etc.
• Delivered to RSGS via PODs or other space logistics infrastructure
• RSGS installs via standard tool set
• Potential applications • Local Space Situational Awareness (SSA) “security cam” • Space weather sensor • Defensive capabilities • And many more…
On-orbit attachable capabilities (OAC)
OAC Capability
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OAC example delivery via POD Ejection Mechanism (PEM)
POD Mission Concept POD Ejection
POD Capture by RSGS
SSL image
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• Bringing new capabilities to GEO • Adding situational awareness, protective features • Disaggregate via payloads dispersed throughout GEO • Shorten technology refresh timelines
• On-orbit upgrade could lower cost of access to GEO • Payloads that do not require propulsion or attitude control
• Quicker, lower cost payload integration • Two years from determination of need to on-orbit installation
• Perhaps even shorter with pre-built modular OACs
• Variety of means of delivering to orbit
• More rapid response to tech developments, terrestrial changes
Why upgrade on-orbit?
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RSGS animation
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20-year foundation of on-orbit demonstrations sets the stage for operational capability in RSGS
JAXA ETS-VII Test Satellite (1997-1999)
Image courtesy Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
DARPA Orbital Express (2007) NASA Robotic Refueling Mission (2011-2014)
Image courtesy NASA
USAF XSS-11 (2005)
Image courtesy USAF
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15-year foundation of technology development for RSGS flight program
Integrated Robotics Workstation Flight SW Testbed
Flight Prototype Robotics Undergoing EMI Testing
Flight Prototype Tools and Tool Changer Demonstration Testbed
Full Scale HWIL Testing
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RSGS payload components
Robotic Arm Assembly (RAA) Post-CDR, Flight I&T upcoming
Tool Changer and Receptacle Post-CDR, EM testing underway
Oceaneering Space Systems
Panchromatic, Color, and IR Cameras
Post-CDR
LIDAR Pre-PDR
Robotics Processing Module (RPM) and Common Remote Electronics (CRE)
At-CDR, EDU assembly underway
Payload Lighting Pre-CDR, Radiation Testing
Successful
Payload Algorithms & Flight Software PDR Level
Structural, Power and Data Port post-PDR
Power Distribution Unit (PDU) Post-PDR, EM fabrication underway
MDA End of Arm Control Board (EACB) Post-PDR, EDU testing complete,
EM fabrication underway
Tool Kit Marman Ring Tool: post-PDR POD Capture Tool: pre-PDR
LAE Tool: pre-PDR
SSLR
NRL
NRL NRL
NRL
NRL
NRL
NRL NRL NRL
NRL
Sierra Nevada Corp
Malin Space Systems
VIS IR
Neptec
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RSGS tool changeout at NRL testbed
NRL
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Automated repair demonstration at NRL
NRL
Client Bus
Client Marmon Ring
Servicer “Bus”
Client Solar Array
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Evolution: expanded capabilities, lower costs LO
GIS
TICS
Expanded coverage, new tools,
experiments
CON
STRU
CTIO
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Modular spacecraft with on-orbit
replaceable units
Large apertures, structures, and bases
Fully automated space logistics
Technology development and investment
NASA
REPAIR REPOSITION INSPECT AUGMENT
OAC Capability POD
First steps in GEO logistics
NASA
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First robotic capability in
GEO
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NovaWurks Image
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Consortium For Execution of Rendezvous and Servicing Operations (CONFERS)
CONFERS is open to all relevant stakeholders – it is intended to become self-sustaining, industry-led, and international in scope
CONFERS Objectives: • Develop and publish non-binding,
voluntary consensus standards (technical and operational) for cooperative rendezvous and servicing by private entities
• Based upon shared industry / Government experience
• Create and facilitate an industry/government forum for members to discuss plans and policy issues related to satellite servicing
• Provide a technical basis for USG entities that implement international obligations for authorization and supervision of U.S. non-governmental activities in outer space
www.satelliteconfers.org
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www.darpa.mil
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