I had the honor of contributing to the OSAM-1 & SPIDER programs by testing the flight actuators, along with leading the Life Test Unit test campaign for Maxar Space Robotics & NASA.
OSAM-1: Pioneering Satellite Servicing and On-Orbit Assembly
The OSAM-1 spacecraft, developed through a collaboration between NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and Maxar, represents a significant leap in satellite servicing technology. This mission will see OSAM-1 rendezvous with a government-owned satellite, where it will grasp, refuel, and relocate the satellite, thereby extending its operational life.
Equipped with the Maxar Space Infrastructure Dexterous Robot (SPIDER) arm, OSAM-1 will not only perform servicing tasks but will also demonstrate groundbreaking on-orbit assembly and manufacturing capabilities. This mission aims to validate essential tools, technologies, and techniques for future exploration missions, including those planned under NASA’s Artemis program.
Operating in Low Earth Orbit
Positioned in low Earth orbit, OSAM-1 is set to revolutionize the way satellite operators manage their fleets. By providing new methods for maintenance and resource optimization, OSAM-1 will help maximize investments and contribute to a more sustainable and efficient space economy.
Video 1: Animation video of the OSAM-1 robotic arm showing the refuling procress. (Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OS2Gl-qOwc)
Figure 1: Testing the OSAM-1’s Robotic Servicing Arm positioned on the left in the Robotic Operations Center at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. On the left, there is a mock up of a potential satelite being serviced, while sitting on top of a hexapod robot, helping to simulate zero-gravity movement.
Figure 2: Testing the OSAM-1’s Robotic Servicing Arm positioned on the right in the Robotic Operations Center at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. On the left, there is a mock up of a potential satelite being serviced, while sitting on top of a hexapod robot, helping to simulate zero-gravity movement. (Credit: https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/goddard/nasas-robotic-osam-1-mission-completes-its-critical-design-review/)
Figure 3: Picture of the NASA Servicing Arm, utilized to learn and prepare for the OSAM-1 mission, this robotic arm is diplayed in the Robotics Operations Center at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. (Credit: https://www.nasa.gov/nexis/robotic-servicing-arm/)
Figure 4: Picture of the OSAM-1 robotic arms grappling the Landsat 7 satellite at Low Earth Orbit (LEO). (Credit: https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/goddard/nasas-robotic-osam-1-mission-completes-its-critical-design-review/)
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