Kall Morris Inc. (KMI), a Michigan company, completed a series of successful tests of its REACCH system aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This innovative robotic arm was created to capture and move objects in space, even those that are not designed to be manipulated, making it possible to remove space debris or repair satellites without dedicated infrastructure.
KMI Robotic Arm Transforms Orbit
During an eight-month mission, REACCH was operated by astronauts Suni Williams and Don Pettit, who made 172 captures prior to its return to Earth. return to Earth in a SpaceX capsule in a SpaceX capsule. With this, KMI became the first private company to achieve repeated captures of unprepared objects in space.
This technology opens up the possibility of offering satellite relocation and maintenance services. maintenance of satellites directly in orbit, extending their useful life and improving space safety. REACCH is inspired by octopus tentacles and the adhesive capacity of geckos, which allows it to hold objects of different sizes and shapes securely.
The company envisions a larger commercial demonstration in 2028, which will consolidate these services for satellite operators around the world, improving the space debris management and the operation of the systems we use every day, such as communications and the Internet.
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Source: Kall Morris Inc.
Photo: Micoolestthing
