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PIAP Space Sp. z o. o., a Polish firm specializing in robotics for space applications, is set on revolutionizing the maintenance of costly satellites through advanced robotic technology. Recently, the company unveiled its new TITAN robotic arm, engineered specifically for tasks such as performing inspections, executing repairs, and upgrading satellites in orbit.
As the satellite industry continues to expand rapidly, Earth’s orbital space is becoming increasingly congested with both active and defunct satellites. This crowded environment, as highlighted by PIAP, elevates the risks associated with satellite operations, including the potential for malfunctions, collisions, and significant economic losses. Many satellites, despite still running on hardware, become nonfunctional due to the failure of a single component.
Traditionally, addressing satellite malfunctions necessitates removing the entire unit from orbit and replacing it with a new satellite, thereby contributing to space debris and escalating mission expenditures. To tackle this challenge, autonomous in-orbit servicing (IOS) is gaining traction as a critical focus for the European Space Agency (ESA) and the larger global space community.
TITAN represents PIAP Space’s strategic answer to the pressing needs of the industry. The design of the robotic arm is tailored for operational use in space.
“TITAN is the most sophisticated robotic manipulator developed in Poland to date, and it stands out as one of the most capable systems in Europe,” stated Paweł Paśko, head of the mechatronics section at PIAP Space. “Our design prioritizes scalability, modularity, and versatility for both orbital and planetary missions. Its sealing allows for operation in challenging environments, including the lunar surface, which is characterized by regolith.”
Preparing for Future Missions
PIAP has engineered the high-precision TITAN arm for a variety of orbital tasks including satellite inspections, component exchanges, docking support, and the installation of modules. With a reach of 2 meters (6.5 feet) and seven degrees of freedom, it achieves remarkable precision, boasting a positional accuracy of 0.5 mm and an orientation accuracy of 0.1 degrees.
To ensure reliable operation, TITAN features a redundant design. Each joint is equipped with its own power supply, data lines, and thermal regulation systems, significantly mitigating the risk of total system failure.
The robotic arm’s modular framework allows for the integration of various specialized end effectors, ranging from multipurpose grippers to sensors and tooling interfaces. Its universal electrical-mechanical interface facilitates swift adaptation for diverse applications such as satellite capture, cable handling, refueling, or orbital assembly. This wide-ranging capability positions TITAN as an essential tool for both routine servicing and intricate construction projects in space.
Based in Warsaw, PIAP has completed the engineering model and finalized testing phases. Backed by a €2.6 million ($2.9 million U.S.) investment from ESA, TITAN has attained a Technology Readiness Level of 6 (TRL 6), demonstrating its functionality within a simulated orbital context. Consequently, the robotic arm is poised for integration into upcoming servicing missions.
Innovation through the IOSHEX Initiative
PIAP is also refining TITAN for the IOSHEX initiative, a collaborative effort spearheaded by ESA and SAB Aerospace. This project aims to create a long-term in-orbit servicing platform in low Earth orbit (LEO), where robotic systems like TITAN will be leveraged for maintenance and upkeeping tasks.
The IOSHEX module is designed to operate in orbit for up to five years, functioning as a robotic service station. Alongside this, the ESA Space Rider vehicle will facilitate the delivery of replacement parts and the retrieval of outdated equipment for recycling back on Earth. PIAP Space holds the responsibility of delivering a robotic arm capable of conducting precise tasks in microgravity, including component replacement and disassembly of hardware.
In addition, PIAP Space has developed sophisticated technology for planetary exploration, such as the robotic arm for the ESA ARGONAUT lunar lander under the MANUS program. The company has also produced a range of modular robotic grippers within the ORBITA project framework, contributed to concepts for satellite refueling, and participated in the development of the In-Space Transportation Vehicle (ISTV).
PIAP plans to publicly showcase the TITAN prototype on April 14 and 15 at the ESA Space Security Conference in Warsaw.
Source
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