Operationalizing On-Orbit Repair: A CONOPS for GATOR Arms Small Satellite Servicing

Presenter Information

• Anais Mera-Sarnelli, University of FloridaFollow
• Aimee Dew, University of FloridaFollow
• Daniel Radu, University of Florida
• Chrispher Petersen, University of FloridaFollow
• Michael Generale, University of FloridaFollow

Session

Poster Session 2

Location

Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT

Abstract

Mission Definition

• GATOR Arms (Galactic Autonomous Twin Operational Robotic Arms) was designed to provide in-space servicing to small satellites in LEO.
• Small satellites currently have limited servicing options, thus localized component failures can prematurely end otherwise viable missions.
• This poster develops the CONOPS for an operational servicing mission involving on-orbit inspection, repair, refurbishment, reconfiguration, reboost, or repurposing of client satellites for extended missions.
• The representative servicing task is the recovery and reconfiguration of an external deployable such as a solar panel, antenna, or radiator flap.
• GATOR Arms targets a 2-4 year servicing life, end-of-life disposal within 5 years of mission completion, and debris-neutral operations.

Document Type

Event