Through all the MOSAR activity a lot of space relevant technologies have been further developed, matured and demonstrated in an integrated system. On a short term (next 2-3years), this will have a direct positive impact on the on-going and new space robotic projects, through their re-use or adaption, both in the institutional (e.g. ESA, next OGs) and industrial context. We also expect the upcoming IOD call of the Space Robotics Technologies SRC (likely in 2021) to be the opportunity to increase the TRL level and to of a flight demonstration for MOSAR technologies, as mean to pave the way toward concrete exploitation.
Several of the MOSAR technologies target a standardization of their design. This is mainly including the SRC building blocks, HOTDOCK and the spacecraft modules. The expected benefits of the standardization of these technologies are the cost effectiveness of their implementation, the reduction of development, production and integration time, the setup of common robotics technological framework. We can highlight, already that several technologies, like ESROCOS, ERGO, HOTDOCK, were used in different SRC projects of the second call, creating the foundation of such standardization, at least on the European level.
The implementation of MOSAR technologies like the ERGO, the simulator, HOTDOCK SI, the walking manipulator will definitively favour the development of autonomous space systems that can have an important influence for future space missions and creating new opportunities for space industry. Autonomous solution will also favour the development of servicing missions that will improve space mission sustainability and cost effectiveness.
On a longer term, MOSAR is proposing a fundamental shift of paradigm in the design and operation of spacecraft. There is clearly an increase of interest for the On-Orbit servicing topic, which is the first step towards the final solution promoted by MOSAR. The exploitation review and analysis has highlighted the most relevant missions as well as the possible development and exploitation roadmap to facilitate this transition.
The successful performance of the final MOSAR demonstrator, with the full satellite assembly and re-configuration, is a wonderful vitrine to promote the topic of on-orbit servicing and further spacecraft modularity to the industry. It shows, at some level, the feasibility of this proposition as well as the good performances of the components. This should enhance the collaboration with MOSAR partners and possibly the innovation around these topics, with the final goal to enable new business cases not yet envisaged today.
As described in the exploitation plan, most of the MOSAR technologies have a possible synergy with terrestrial applications. We can highlight the robotic manipulator, which has been fully operated in 1g conditions. It is offering a fully integrated solution (with embedded controller) and very high performance in terms of lifting to weight ratio, opening a lot of possibilities.
Finally, the performance of the demonstration and the diffusion of the MOSAR videos (introductive video, demonstration, final review) on social media channels (e.g. Youtube) should promote the scientific activities and more specifically space robotics towards young people and increase their desire to get involved in scientific domains.
