AMODS
Autonomous Mobile On-orbit Diagnostic System
The goal of the AMODS project is to assure the ability to provide the physical on-orbit interaction needed to generate diagnostic data. AMODS employs a modular, CubeSat style design approach to overcome traditional cost and technological hurdles.
"You can only act on the data you have."
SS/L President John Celli
MISSION
Originally conceived by researchers at the United States Naval Academy, the goal of the Autonomous Mobile On-orbit Diagnostic System (AMODS) is to demonstrate the feasibility of using CubeSats to diagnose malfunctions or failure in, and repair, larger conventional satellites. AMODS employs a modular, CubeSat style design consisting of: 1) several repair CubeSats (RSats) with manipulable robotic arms designed to latch onto a host satellite and maneuver, image, and potentially repair various components; and one self-propelled transport CubeSat (BRICSat), a “space tug” with the ability to manage rendezvous operations. The projected cost of an AMODS deployment is less than $300,000.
RSat
RSat is a 3U (33 x 10 x 10 cm) Cube Satellite with two 60 cm seven degree of freedom robotic arms designed to latch onto a host satellite and maneuver, image, and potentially repair various components.
BRICSat
BRICSat is a self-propelled transport CubeSat (BRICSat), accts as a “space tug” with to provide rendezvous capability to RSat. One BRICSat launches with several RSat and distributes them across a constellation.
As of December 2022
CURRENT STATUS
20 May 2015
BRICSat-P Launch
BRICSat-P was a 1.5U CubeSat that served as the initial prototype of the BRICSat spacecraft. It launched as part of AFSPC-5, and demonstrated key aspects of the propulsion system.
25 June 2019
BRICSat-D Launch
The second BRICSat, BRICSat-D launched on the SpaceX Falcon Heavy. It further demonstrated a MicroCathode Arc Thruster and validated motor design.
06 December 2018
RSat-P Launch
The initial launch of an RSat system. Launched as part of ELaNa XIX on a RocketLab Electron rocket from New Zealand. Intended as a free-floating demonstrator, contained full arm system. Mission failed after reaching orbit.
GALLERY
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NEWS
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