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Gecko based Innovative Capture Kit for uncooperative and unprepared Orbital assets

Project description

Gecko-inspired capture kit for uncooperative spacecraft

Funded by the European Innovation Council, the gEICko project is developing a capture kit for docking uncooperative spacecraft such as defunct satellites or rocket stages. It uses gecko-inspired micro-patterned dry adhesives (MDA) that mimic a gecko’s foot, enabling strong yet reversible attachment to surfaces like solar panels, even if not designed for docking. A two-phase system combines flexible MDA contact with a robust anchor for safe handling, supporting operations such as controlled re-entry or recycling. For tumbling targets, gEICko employs a tether with whip-like deployment to enable capture. The project also explores harvesting energy directly from the solar panels of captured satellites. Together, these innovations open new possibilities for satellite servicing, debris removal and versatile payload attachment in space.

Objective

The gEICko project aims to develop a capture kit for docking uncooperative spacecraft, such as satellites and rocket stages, through innovative use of Gecko-inspired micro-patterned dry adhesives (MDA). These adhesive pads mimic a gecko's foot, utilizing Van der Waals forces to securely attach to various surfaces, such as solar panels, on satellites even if they weren’t designed for docking. This two-phase docking system first allows for flexible attachment using MDA, supporting multiple dock and undock procedures. It then secures the target with a robust anchoring mechanism at an optimal spot, enabling ISOS operations such as controlled re-entry or recycling.
In cases where direct docking is not possible due to tumbling targets, gEICko offers a tether-based capture mechanism. Using a whip-like motion, the tether allows for controlled deployment and contact to targets that exhibit a complex motion, significantly expanding the range of potential mission targets.
Additionally, gEICko seeks to harness energy from solar panels on captured satellites. This feature involves studying methods to extract power directly from the solar arrays of a target, with options to adapt future panel designs for improved energy transfer. These innovations aim to support multiple space services, from debris removal to satellite servicing, offering a versatile and game-changing technology for space operations and a new option to attach various payload packs to different space assets.

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HORIZON-EIC - HORIZON EIC Grants

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) HORIZON-EIC-2024-PATHFINDERCHALLENGES-01

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Coordinator

TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAT BERLIN
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 1 312 712,50
Address
STRASSE DES 17 JUNI 135
10623 Berlin
Germany

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Region
Berlin Berlin Berlin
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

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Participants (5)

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