On-Orbit Robotic Servicing System

DeltaV Robotics is a US space robotics company developing autonomous robotic manipulation systems for on-orbit servicing (OOS) tasks — the next major capability gap in the space economy as satellite constellations grow and the need for in-space repair, refueling, and upgrade becomes commercially viable. The company develops the robotic arm hardware, end-effectors (grippers and tools), and AI-powered autonomous control software needed to perform dexterous operations in space.

DeltaV Robotics’ robotic arm is designed for servicing vehicles (space tugs and service spacecraft) that rendezvous with target satellites. Key tasks include grappling tumbling debris or non-cooperative satellites, precision attachment to standard docking interfaces, refueling valve connection (for liquid propellant transfer), and modular component exchange (avionics replacement, battery upgrades). Autonomous operation is critical because the 2–22 second round-trip latency at GEO makes teleoperation from the ground impractical for precision tasks.

The company’s technology builds on terrestrial robotic manipulation research, adapting force-torque sensing, computer vision (neural network-based object recognition and pose estimation), and adaptive compliant control for the microgravity, vacuum, and radiation environment of space. DeltaV Robotics has participated in NASA SBIR programs and competed in NASA’s commercial LEO servicing solicitations.