ELECTROADHESIVE ATTACHMENT FOR ORBITAL SERVICING

This paper presents validated electroadhesive attachment technology enabling diverse on-orbit servicing missions from active debris removal to scientific asset preservation. Testing demonstrates capture and control of rapidly rotating spacecraft exceeding traditional mechanical grappling limitations, expanding the addressable population of serviceable orbital objects.

The research goal was validating universal attachment capability across mission types without requiring pre-prepared docking interfaces. Testing characterized performance on materials representative of orbital targets including aluminum, composites, multi-layer insulation, and solar panels. Vacuum conditions enhance attachment performance compared to ambient pressure. Environmental qualification confirmed operation across orbital temperature ranges and launch loads.

The modular architecture scales from CubeSats to ESPA-class vehicles, supporting mission applications including active debris removal of tumbling defunct satellites and rocket bodies, constellation management through failed satellite removal and emergency stabilization, scientific observatory life extension through propulsion and attitude control augmentation, payload enhancement adding sensors and communications decades after launch, and in-space assembly providing reversible structural connections. Universal material compatibility enables one servicing vehicle to address multiple diverse targets, optimizing orbital resources through reusability.

Validated capture of high-rotation tumbling targets demonstrates capability for uncooperative objects previously beyond servicing reach. The reversible attachment causes no surface damage and leaves no residue, enabling service-based business models rather than replacement economics. Low power consumption supports extended multi-target missions.

Expected outcomes include operational deployment for constellation maintenance, debris remediation supporting space sustainability goals, and international collaboration frameworks enabling emerging space nations to access on-orbit capabilities without launching new infrastructure. The platform transforms spacecraft into augmentable assets, extending operational lifetimes and adding capabilities through attachment rather than replacement.