Request for Information for OSAM-1 Partnerships

Request for Information for OSAM-1 Partnerships

Respondents are reminded:

This National Aeronautics and Space Administration Request for Information (RFI) does not constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that NASA will take action in this matter. This RFI is for US domestic entities only. Interest from international government agencies or other international entities will be addressed in direct conversations with NASA Headquarters. International inquiries should be addressed to the Point of Contact in Section 6.

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL, QUOTATION, OR INVITATION TO BID NOTICE. NO PROPOSALS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO THIS NOTICE.

1.0 Introduction

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) seeks to transform NASA missions and ensure American leadership in the space economy by rapidly developing, demonstrating, and transferring revolutionary, high-payoff space technologies driven by diverse ideas.

NASA is exploring potential partnerships for alternate use cases for the On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing-1 (OSAM-1) spaceflight hardware, test facilities, and relevantly skilled personnel in lieu of the original flight demonstration. NASA is seeking responses that describe alternate use cases that will benefit commercial, civil, and national objectives, thereby advancing domestic leadership in In-space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) capabilities.

NASA defined the mission objectives for OSAM-1 to promote routine commercial services that extend satellite operations for the aerospace community by demonstrating the feasibility of servicing capabilities and transferring that technology to domestic companies. NASA initiated the OSAM-1 mission to advance servicing capabilities by integrating key technologies to perform in-space propellant transfer, robotic assembly, and orbit adjustment of an unprepared spacecraft. OSAM-1 is a versatile and sophisticated spacecraft intended to be able to select an unprepared client spacecraft that does not include visual aids for rendezvous or physical aids for capture and refueling.

The servicing payload incorporates advanced robotic systems including berthing posts that secure the client spacecraft, robotic arms that are free to access an advanced tool drive and tools, a propellant transfer system, and state-of-the-art autonomous navigation and docking technology.

OSAM-1 was envisioned to demonstrate a suite of advanced autonomous and telerobotic technologies for in-space servicing and assembly. These include:

1. Autonomous rendezvous using stereo visible and infrared machine vision;
2. Autonomous circumnavigational service spacecraft target inspection;
3. Autonomous 6-degree-of-freedom (DOF) low Earth orbit (LEO) polar orbit capture of a Marman ring on an unprepared client;
4. Telerobotic servicing capabilities that advance the state-of-the-art force control for complex tool actions;
5. Fluid transfer to a satellite never designed to be refueled utilizing a flow metering device to transfer hydrazine between diaphragm tanks with a retractable hose management system featuring no dynamic seals and featuring a low-volume helium leak check of a heritage, decades-old fill and drain valve;
6. On-orbit assembly, disassembly, and reassembly of functional communication antenna segments.

Written responses from domestic organizations including industry, academia, investors, philanthropic organizations, and other stakeholders and partners, as well as other federal agencies, state, and local governments, are encouraged. Information may be submitted by any domestic organization or individual. There is no limit to the number of responses an organization may submit to this Request for Information for OSAM-1 Partnerships. Responses to this Request for Information for OSAM-1 Partnerships will be kept strictly confidential.

2.0 Purpose

The objective of this Request for Information for OSAM-1 Partnerships is to invite community responses on alternate use cases of property, test labs, and personnel that is associated with the OSAM-1 project. Potential alternate use cases may include repurposing the property for different clients or technology demonstrations, integrating the property with other hardware for commercial applications, or collaborating with other organizations for scientific and technical research.

OSAM-1 resources and technology that may be available for consideration for alternate use cases are described below.

2.1 Servicing Technologies

• Autonomous, Real-Time Relative Navigation System

Sensors, algorithms, and a processor join forces, enabling OSAM-1 to rendezvous safely with its client.

• Servicing Avionics

In addition to ingesting and processing sensor data, these elements control OSAM-1's rendezvous and robotic tasks.

• Dexterous Robotic Arms

Two nimble, maneuverable arms precisely execute servicing assignments.

• Advanced Tool Drive and Tools

Sophisticated, multifunction tools are manufactured to execute each servicing task.

• Propellant Transfer System

This system delivers measured amounts of fuel to the client at the right temperature, pressure, and flow rate.

• Satellite Reboost

The integrated demonstration mission can capture a client satellite and maneuver it to another orbit.

2.2 Servicing Payload (SP) Subsystems

• The Servicing Payload includes a pair of Robot Systems (RS) that position, align, and apply force through tools to worksites for capture, berthing, servicing, and release of the client. (See Attachment Figure 1)
  • Each RS includes a 2.3 meter long, seven degree-of-freedom, dexterous Robot Arm Assembly (RAA) controlled by a Robot Electronics Unit (REU) that drives both the RAA actuators as well as the Advanced Tool Drive System (ATDS), the RAA's end effector (Attachment Figure 2).
  • Each RAA is mounted on the top deck of the servicing payload and includes seven actuators, external flex harnesses for electrical signals, three launch locks tied to the Servicing Payload top deck, and a distal force/torque sensor with associated electronics.
  • Each ATDS includes three rotary torque interfaces, a linear actuator, electrical interfaces for tools, and two situational awareness cameras mounted on Camera Positioning Mechanisms (CPM). The CPMs extension and tilt capabilities provide precision views of the client worksite.
  • One of the CPM situational awareness cameras includes a Motorized Zoom Lens (MZL), while the other operates with a Fixed Focal Length (FFL). Both cameras are packaged with circumferential LED sources to illuminate the worksite.
• The Servicing Payload (Attachment Figure 3) includes three Client Berthing System (CBS) mechanisms atop of posts mounted on the Servicing Payload top deck. The CBS posts stand approximately two feet above the Servicing Payload Deck for adequate clearance for the robot arm to maneuver during client berthing. The three CBS mechanisms work together to clamp on to the client launch interface adapter (Marman Ring) to secure the client for servicing and during orbit maneuvers.
• Robotic tools are stowed on the top deck of the Servicing Payload to be accessed by the RAA and then returned to their individual receptacles.
  • The Gripper tool makes first contact with the client's launch interface adapter and is used by the RAA to maneuver the client into the Client Berthing System (CBS).
  • The Hypergol Refueling Tool (HRT) and its Quick Disconnect (QD) adapter is used to facilitate the on-orbit robotic resupplying of media, such as storable propellants and pressurants, to a non-cooperative vehicle.
  • The Restore-L ATDS Change-out Interface Tool (RAChIT) provides an interface from the ATDS to multiple small, unique tool adapters used for servicing the client.
  • The Adapter Suite includes eight adapters and their individual receptacles. The adapters are listed in the order they would be accessed to refuel an unprepared client: 1) MLI Blanket Cutter (MBC), 2) MLI Manipulator Adapter (MMA), 3) MLI Restraint Adapter (MRA), 4) Wire Cutter Adapter (WCA), 5) Tertiary Cap Adapter (TCA), 6) Army-Navy Cap Adapter (ANCA), 7) Quick Disconnect (QD) for the HRT, and 8) the Thermal Closeout Mechanism (TCM).
• The Vision Sensor Subsystem (VSS) is mounted to the top deck of the Servicing Payload to observe servicing tasks performed by the RAA and provide views to ground operators to support telerobotic operations. The VSS includes:
  • A Long Range Inspection Camera (LRIC): A high definition, color, visible wavelength camera system capable of resolving 1 cm features at a distance of 100 meters. The LRIC is meant to give ground operators their first high resolution images of the client to assess the overall condition of the Marman Ring during preparations for capture.
  • Six Fixed Situational Awareness (SA) Cameras: A series of high-definition, color, visible wavelength camera systems with fixed pointing to provide views to ground operators to support robotic teleoperations.
  • Two Pan-Tilt Units (PTU): A high-definition, color, visible wavelength camera with an optical zoom lens mounted on a biaxial gimbal capable of azimuth and elevation motion. The PTUs also provide situational awareness views to ground operators to support robotic teleoperations.
  • Eight Flood Lights: Modules of 40 LEDs distributed throughout the Servicing Payload to provide client illumination for rendezvous and servicing tasks.
• The Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) subsystem is mounted on the top deck of the Servicing Payload to support client acquisition, long-range tracking, attitude determination, and autonomous rendezvous and capture of the client vehicle. The subsystem includes the various tracking algorithms embedded in OSAM-1 flight software/logic as well as sensor hardware:
  • A Wide field-of-view Infrared Camera (WIR), a Medium field-of-view Infrared Camera (MIR), three Wide Field-of-View (WFOV) visible wavelength cameras, a Narrow Field-of-View (NFOV) visible wavelength camera, and a commercial Jena Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) system.
• The Propellant Transfer System (PTS) is housed inside the Servicing Payload and is used to transfer propellant safely and reliably to the client satellite. It includes the Hose Management Subassembly (HMA), Hydrazine Transfer Subassembly (HTSA), and Vent Thruster Subassembly (VTSA). The PTS utilizes flow meters, pressure transducers, and solenoid / latch valves, to control and monitor the transfer of propellent from the OSAM-1 space vehicle to the client. OSAM-1 relies on gaseous helium to pressurize its own Hydrazine tanks to initiate the transfer and flow of propellent to the client.
• Redundant avionics within the Servicing Payload control all subsystems and interface with the spacecraft.
  • The Video Distribution & Storage Unit (VDSU) is the video routing hub of the Servicing Payload and provides interfaces to the various RPO and VSS sensors, data distribution services across the payload, and compression and on-board storage capabilities.
  • The Command & Data Handling (C&DH) subsystem is the flight computer for the Servicing Payload and hosts the Hybrid Flight Computing System (HFCS) software/logic. The HFCS provides command/telemetry services to all other Servicing Payload hardware as well as the spacecraft bus, processing of RPO, Robot and fault management software, and file transfer services both on board and to/from the ground.
  • The Payload Services Unit (PSU) provides 1) power to all components in the Servicing Payload, 2) illumination control to the VSS lighting modules, 3) launch lock drivers 4) motor control drivers, 5) latch value and solenoid valve drivers, and 6) bi-level and analog telemetry services.

2.3 Spacecraft

• Reliable Maxar 1300 Series Platform (Attachment Figure 4)

Redundant systems, modular design, and extensive testing and quality assurance has resulted in proven performance in over 90 operational spacecraft.

• Unique Maneuverability for Servicing

A suite of thrusters gives OSAM-1 unique maneuver capability that offers six degrees of freedom, including the ability to execute back away maneuvers.

• Robust Structure Design

The spacecraft bus was strengthened to accommodate the additional loads and forces exerted by the robotic arms during servicing operations, and the dynamic activities involved in capturing and manipulating the client vehicle's position and orientation in space.

• Enhanced Power Systems

The spacecraft has been outfitted with upgraded solar arrays and power management systems to provide additional power resources to support the advanced robotics on the robotic Servicing Payload.

3.0 Eligibility and Directions to Respond

This Request for Information for OSAM-1 Partnerships is for US domestic entities. Interest from international government agencies or other international entities will be addressed in direct conversations with NASA Headquarters. International inquiries should be addressed to the Point of Contact in Section 6.

4.0 Requested Information

This is a Request for Information for OSAM-1 Partnerships. No evaluation letters or results will be issued to the respondents.

4.1 Response Format

All responses must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on September 30, 2024. Responses are limited to a maximum 10 pages in length using 12-point Times New Roman font style for the main text, single space pages with one-inch margins. A 9-point font may be used for text within figures, tables, and charts. Note that proprietary or export-controlled information may be included, provided it is clearly marked and properly protected according to applicable regulations.

Responses must be submitted in Adobe PDF format. The total file size for an individual submission is limited to 10MB.

4.2 Response Content

Responses should address at a high-level the following aspects of the alternate use case for OSAM-1 property:

1. Target OSAM-1 Property: List the specific items in the described OSAM-1 capabilities and subsystems. Include key functions and performance parameters that form the basis of the alternate use case.
2. Repurpose: Describe how the NASA-developed property could be repurposed for an alternate use case. List potential modifications or adaptations to achieve a different function, improve technical performance, or develop a new application including the possible use as a test bed capability that can be further leveraged to mature ISAM capabilities.
3. Integration: Explain how the property could be integrated with existing hardware systems or infrastructure, for a ground or space-based application. Identify the sources of the other hardware and/or infrastructure for the alternate use case.
4. Advancement: Identify technological innovations or advancements that could be pursued by repurposing the property. Discuss how these advancements could contribute to the field of ISAM or promote American leadership in the space economy. Outline the potential economic, strategic, and societal benefits of the proposed use case.
5. Feasibility: Describe the challenges and uncertainties associated with the proposed use case. Identify specific risks, as well as technical, programmatic, and logistical considerations.
6. Infrastructure: Define the ground-based infrastructure needed to modify, integrate, and verify the alternate use case. Indicate if this infrastructure exists in the aerospace community and whether it is accessible.
7. Notional Readiness: Provide a notional timeline to implement the alternate use case, including key milestones and deliverables.
8. Collaboration: Identify the potential for collaboration with organizations such as industry, academia, investors, philanthropic organizations, other stakeholders and partners, as well as other federal agencies or state and local governments.
9. Resources: Provide a high-level listing of resource needs, including technical, financial, facility, and human resources, which may include the utilization of NASA's knowledge, workforce, robotics lab facilities, and other ground/test facilities required to achieve the alternate use cases, without providing a specific dollar estimate.

5.0 Information for Respondents

This information is requested for planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. The release of this Request for Information for OSAM-1 Partnerships does not obligate the government to issue a future solicitation nor does it obligate the government to invest any resources to any specific space technology topic area.

Respondents are encouraged to provide information that is not constrained by limited or restricted data rights. No Personally Identifiable Information (PII) should be submitted in response to this RFI. Respondents are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this Request for Information for OSAM-1 Partnerships. NASA intends to consider all data received to inform the Agency's future planning.

Please note that NASA employees and other government agencies as well as its support contractors' employees and/or their subcontractors working on behalf of NASA may review respondent's submissions. NASA contractors and subcontractors are governed by non-disclosure provisions in their applicable contracts and subcontracts, which protects the confidentiality of all information reviewed. Responses to this Request for Information for OSAM-1 Partnerships will not be returned, and respondents will not be notified of the results of the review.

This Request for Information for OSAM-1 Partnerships is for planning purposes only and shall not be considered as an obligation on the part of NASA to acquire any products or services and/or enter into any partnership agreements or any other legal implementing instrument as a result of this Request for Information for OSAM-1 Partnerships. NASA does not intend to award a contract, Space Act Agreement (SAA), or any other legal implementing instrument in response to Request for Information for OSAM-1 Partnerships submissions received. Nor will NASA pay for the information requested in this Request for Information for OSAM-1 Partnerships. The information provided is entirely voluntary and will not affect the ability to propose on future opportunities.

No solicitation exists; therefore, do not request a copy of a solicitation. If a solicitation is released in the future, it will be synopsized on the Government Point of Entry website SAM.gov. It is the responsibility of interested parties to monitor these sites regularly for the release of any solicitation or synopsis.

6.0 Points of Contact

Aaron Weaver

OSAM-1 Project Executive

NASA Headquarters

Space Technology Mission Directorate

Judy Carrodeguas

Office of International and Interagency Relations

NASA Headquarters

All questions and inquiries should be directed to the email address listed in Section 7.

7.0 Submitting Responses

Responses to this Request for Information for OSAM-1 Partnerships must be submitted electronically to HQ-STMD-OSAM-1-RFI@nasaprs.com by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on September 30, 2024.

• In your response, please provide the following information:
  • Name of your organization
  • Address of your organization
  • Point of contact information
• Provide the electronic copy response in one searchable, unlocked Portable Document File (PDF) with edit permission enabled.
• Submission must be in 12-point Times New Roman font and not exceed the 10-page limit specified in Section 4.0. Nine-point font may be used for text in figures, tables, and/or charts.

Comments containing references, studies, research, and other empirical data that are not widely published shall include copies or electronic links of the referenced materials.