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.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology environmental engineering waste management waste treatment processes recycling
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering astronautical engineering spacecraft
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering satellite technology
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-EIC - HORIZON EIC Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-EIC-2024-PATHFINDERCHALLENGES-01
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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.
10623 Berlin
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.