R-POD

Rendezvous, close proximity operations, and docking

Child capabilities

• Orbital Manoeuvre

  Change a satellite's orbit

• Precise Manoeuvring

  Orbital manoeuvres which require precise control of delta-v, typically in close proximity (< 100m) to another satellite

• Relative Navigation

  Precisely track a satellite's position and velocities with respect to that of another object in close proximity

• Docking

  Physically connect/disconnect two satellites (e.g, through a dedicated interface or by using another component in order to provide a secure physical connection)

• Capture

  Capture a (usually) non-cooperative space object (typically in the context of ADR missions)

• Combined Stack Management

  Manage the coupled aspects of docked satellites (e.g. attitude, orbit, thermal)

Applications enabled by this capability and its children

• Active Debris Removal

  Capture and removal of defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and other space debris from orbit

• Controlled Re-Entry

  Deliberate and managed descent of a satellite into Earth’s atmosphere

• Resupply

  Provision of goods to a orbital client

• Products for Earth

  Manufacture of products for use on Earth

• Policing

  Enforcement of regulations

• Relocation

  One-off adjustment of a satellite's orbit (e.g. inclination change)

• AOCS Takeover

  Ongoing management of a satellite's orbit and attitude (i.e. stationkeeping)

• Return-to-Earth

  Non-destructive controlled re-entry of a payload back to Earth

• Inspection

  Remote inspection of a satellite by another satellite, by acquiring data or images, or remotely exchanging data in order to assess the conditions of the space system

• Graveyard Orbit Transfer

  Transfer of satellite to graveyard orbit via external servicer (rather than as part of usual decommissioning operations using spacecraft's own fuel reserves)

• Orbit Insertion

  Launch & Orbit Transfer Vehicles (Space Tugs)

• Salvage

  Repurposing of defunct or damaged satellites

• PNT

  Positioning, navigation, and timing

• Refuelling

  Refuelling a prepared satellite

• Small-Scale Assembly

  Assembly of satellites or subsystems

• Upgrade

  Physical In-orbit improvements to a satellite's performance or functionality

• Large-Scale Assembly

  Assembly of structures exceeding the size of current launch capabilities

• Repair

  In-orbit restoration of a faulty satellite to its nominal operational state, including replacement of subsystems

• Recycling

  Converting waste into re-usable material