As the space ecosystem continues to grow and diversify, ushering in a new economic era, addressing issues related to space sustainability has become essential. Ensuring that we use space responsibly over the long term is crucial for the continued advancement and utilization of space technologies. The multinational technology firm GMV has taken a prominent role in this endeavor, committing to performing its space-related activities in a socially and environmentally respectful way. This article explores GMV’s innovative efforts in developing robotic technologies for removing space debris and refueling spacecraft, highlighting the significance of these advancements for the future of space sustainability.
The Growing Challenge of Space Debris
The space industry has experienced a profound transformation in recent years, driven by both public-sector initiatives and private investment. Concepts from the New Space paradigm, such as reducing costs through economies of scale, intensive use of commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) components, standardization, and acceleration of development cycles, are now fundamental to this evolution.
Since the launch of the first satellite, over 17,000 satellites have been sent into space, with about 11,500 still there and more than 9,000 still in operation. This number is set to increase significantly with the launch of mega-constellations comprising hundreds or even thousands of new satellites. The rising number of satellites necessitates an integrated in-orbit transport and services ecosystem, developed under appropriate conditions to ensure sustainability.
GMV’s Commitment to Space Sustainability
GMV is at the forefront of addressing the demands of this growing space ecosystem. The company emphasizes the importance of performing space-related activities in a socially and environmentally respectful way. This commitment aligns with initiatives such as the European Commission’s new space legislation and the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Zero-Debris approach, which are essential for achieving space sustainability.
The ESA and the European Union have taken proactive roles in preparing the new generation of Earth observation satellites to allow their removal at the end of their useful life or in case of malfunction. Four of these satellites, part of the Copernicus missions, are regulated by the ESA’s design-for-removal interface requirements document. They are equipped with the MICE (mechanical interface for end-of-life capture) system developed by GMV in collaboration with AVS, along with a series of navigation assistance devices. This equipment facilitates the capture and removal of non-cooperative satellites from orbit when they reach the end of their useful life or malfunction.
In collaboration with AVS and under an ESA contract, GMV is developing the CAT (Capture and Transfer) system. This system is a crucial element of the active removal of Copernicus satellites equipped with the MICE interface. The CAT system is designed to capture and transfer satellites within a newly established five-year limit, ensuring that they are removed from orbit in a timely manner.
The Importance of Viewing Space as an Ecosystem
To continue utilizing space in the future, it is essential to view it as an ecosystem that must be protected, similar to our oceans and forests. The average person interacts with about 100 satellites daily, relying on them for services such as Earth observation, meteorology, telecommunications, satellite navigation, geo-positioning, and bank transfers. This dependence highlights the importance of protecting the space environment.
GMV’s Advanced Robotic Technologies
At its exclusive platform-art robotics laboratory, GMV is testing specific technologies that will play a key role in the European context and contribute to the future ecosystem of in-orbit transport, maintenance, and debris removal. The robotic technologies developed by GMV allow for the capture and removal of space debris by service providers. These technologies include the development of a compatible end effector and grippers, optical navigation, avionics, and control functions, which have reached advanced development stages.
The CAT system, integrated into a unified system known as the Return Capture Payload Bay, is a robotic space debris removal system designed as a specialized payload. It works in conjunction with a service vehicle and its guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) system to approach, synchronize, capture, stabilize, and secure malfunctioning or uncontrolled spacecraft for removal from orbit. The CAT system consists of six arms and a gripper capable of capturing non-operational satellites that need to be removed.
In-orbit maintenance and assembly will play a significant role in the economic future of space, contributing to a sustainable space ecosystem by optimizing launch costs and facilitating the design of new flexible and scalable missions. The ESA is funding the development of a multi-arm assembly robot known as MIRROR, with GMV leading the project. The first European prototype of a self-relocatable robotics system for in-orbit operations has been designed, capable of performing the assembly of large structures and offering services for maintenance, repair, and updating of various space vehicles and infrastructure elements.
The ability to provide in-orbit services, such as refueling, can extend the useful life of spacecraft, improve performance, and allow dynamic reconfiguration of mission objectives. GMV is developing the ASSIST mechanical device, the first and most advanced European initiative designed to standardize refueling interfaces for satellites. Based on an open-interface approach, this initiative is progressing towards its eventual in-orbit demonstration.
GMV’s Broader Impact and Achievements
Founded in 1984, GMV is a privately owned technology business group operating worldwide in sectors such as space, aeronautics, defense and security, cybersecurity, intelligent transportation systems, automotive, healthcare, telecommunications, and IT for government authorities and major corporations. In 2022, GMV posted revenues of over €311 million and employed over 3,000 staff across subsidiaries in Spain, the USA, Germany, France, Poland, Portugal, Romania, the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium, Malaysia, and Colombia. Seventy-five percent of its turnover comes from international projects on all five continents.
GMV’s growth strategy is based on continuous innovation, with 10 percent of its turnover reinvested into in-house research and development (R&D). The company has achieved CMMI level 5, the world’s most prestigious model for enhancing an organization’s process capability, and holds numerous international patents. GMV claims to be the world’s number-one independent supplier of ground control systems for commercial telecommunications satellite operators and the European leader in the ground segment of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (EGNOS and Galileo). It is also the primary provider of C4I command and control systems for the Spanish Army and the leading national provider of telematic systems for public transport. Additionally, GMV has been a provider of telematics software, services, and systems in the automotive sector for over 20 years. In the ICT sector, GMV is a benchmark provider of advanced cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation solutions and services.
In 2024, GMV will celebrate 40 years of history with the motto “Excellence and Beyond,” marking four decades of success based on talent, excellence, and innovation. This milestone reflects GMV’s commitment to advancing technology and driving progress across various sectors.
Conclusion
GMV’s innovative approach to developing robotic technologies for space debris removal and in-orbit maintenance is a crucial step towards ensuring space sustainability. The company’s commitment to performing space-related activities in a socially and environmentally respectful way aligns with global efforts to protect the space environment. By advancing technologies such as the CAT system and the MIRROR assembly robot, GMV is contributing to the development of a sustainable space ecosystem. As the space industry continues to grow, GMV’s efforts will play a vital role in shaping the future of space utilization, ensuring that space remains a valuable resource for generations to come. Through continuous innovation and a commitment to excellence, GMV is paving the way for a new era of space exploration and sustainability.
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