OE Robotics

MDA's expertise and experience in unmanned advanced robotics is critical to the success of the Orbital Express Advanced Technology Demonstration Mission.

Under contract to Boeing, MDA developed the Orbital Express Autonomous Robotic Manipulator System comprising the following space and ground elements:

• Small next generation Robotic arm on ASTRO with avionics and autonomous vision system
• Grapple fixtures and vision target for Free-Flyer Capture and ORU transfer
• Docking interface camera and lighting system
• Standard, non-proprietary ORU containers and mating interfaces
• Proximity-Ops lighting system
• Autonomous Software
• Robotic Ground Segment

MDA's innovative approach to robotic servicing and interfaces will facilitate development of an industry-wide on-orbit servicing infrastructure, allowing one ASTRO vehicle to service many different satellites.

Mission planning activities, real-time on-console operations and post-mission data analysis will be supported by MDA from Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque NM.

Manipulator Description: