About
How can microsatellites contribute to the sustainability of orbital operations?
ROAMER is a compact microsatellite designed to address critical challenges in space:
- Orbital debris mitigation.
- Maintenance of aging space assets.
- Safe operations near inhabited space stations.
Key features of ROAMER include:
- Size: 3U x 3U x 7U.
- Equipped with robotic arms.
- Refillable water thruster (ThermaSat).
- Capability for orbit and plane changes.
- Multi-mission support between space stations.
The project is a collaboration between the Interplanetary Laboratory and Howe Industries, funded by a Space Force Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program.
ROAMER’s compact size and advanced capabilities make it ideal for performing maintenance, repairs and servicing on aging orbital assets while ensuring safety near inhabited space stations.
Status
Past
Category
Technology development and demonstration
Environment
Earth | LEO, MEO, GEO
Contact
Key accomplishments
- The Interplanetary Lab has created a comprehensive System Engineering Report specifically for the spacecraft component of this project.
- The study included a thorough compilation of available components, focusing on their specifications and capabilities.
- Extensive analyses were performed on key factors such as:
- Power.
- Mass.
- Volume.
- Operational efficiency.
- A 3D-printed model was developed to assess:
- Manufacturability.
- Integration processes.
- Handling procedures.
News
Interplanetary Laboratory partners with Howe Industries for Space Force funding proposal
December 12, 2022 | Sally Young
ASU’s Interplanetary Laboratory partners with Howe Industries for a Space Force funding proposal on ROAMER.
Most of the things that I’ve done for the lab are things that I’ll be doing in the industry. We’re actually doing things that people who are just starting out wouldn’t be doing for two years into their career.
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