Microgrippersat

Microgrippersat is a term used to describe a class of compact robotic grippers intended for integration into small satellites to perform in-space manipulation. The concept merges miniature end effectors with CubeSats or nanosatellites to enable autonomous grasping, handling, and assembly tasks in microgravity. Potential use cases include on-orbit servicing, debris capture, sample collection, and in-space manufacturing or assembly.

Designs typically feature two or three finger-like elements or flexible, tentacle-inspired arrays that can conform to irregular shapes. Actuation methods under exploration include piezoelectric or electrostatic drives for precise motion, as well as shape memory alloys and electrothermal actuators for compact form factors. A priority in many designs is gentle contact and compliance, often achieved with soft materials and tactile or capacitive sensing to provide force feedback during grasping.

System integration involves coordinating the gripper with the satellite bus, attitude control, and onboard perception systems. Grasping controllers may rely on vision guidance, force sensing, and autonomous planning to execute tasks within limited power and communication windows. Reliability, radiation tolerance, thermal management, and vacuum compatibility are critical constraints, influencing material choices and lubricant strategies.

Applications cover a range of in-space tasks, including capture of free-flying or malfunctioning satellites, assistance in the assembly or repair of large structures, handling of experiments or samples, and debris mitigation or end-of-life operations. Development is primarily at the research and demonstrator stage, with ongoing efforts addressing autonomous control, sensor fusion, modular gripper designs, and robust testing in orbital-like environments. Related topics include in-space robotics, CubeSat technologies, and soft robotics.