In Space Servicing & Assembly

Our EPM Products

DogTags: Universal Grapple Fixture

DogTags are low-cost, lightweight interfaces that enable a satellite to be grappled via a range of methods including magnetic, electrostatic or gecko adhesive, or mechanical pinch grasping, and include a durable optical fiducial marker to simplify relative navigation during servicing operations.

DogTags lower the cost of satellite servicing and end-of-life disposal operations. 500+ in orbit.

MagTag

These small, low-profile EPM-based magnetic latching connectors enable various types of modules to be attached to a target spacecraft to facilitate repairs, fluid transfer, modular upgrades, and ground or in-space installation of hosted payloads.

Small enough to fit on a cubesat, but powerful enough to be useful for a multi-ton client spacecraft.

INNOVATE

DATUM

DATUM (Docking, Anchoring, and Towing Universal Match Plate) is a high-functionality hosted payload and docking adaptor.

High Reliability Docking with EPM’s

Probe-in-Drogue
Inspired

This design allows for large amounts of initial misalignment with the exterior pedals providing clocking alignment.

Passively
Damped

The wire rope attenuation system provides self-centering and oscillation damping without active control.

Scalable

The efficient design style allows for limitless scaling providing docking capabilities for anything from a cubesat to a second stage refueling depot.

Reliable

Featuring only one moving part in the probe’s spherical bearing, the system is over 99.999% reliable.

Safe

The ability of the EPM latch to switch states as many times as needed allows for instantaneous emergency disconnect.

Tool
Changer

Enabling exploration in hazardous, dusty environments.

Our dust-tolerant tool changer is intended for use in dusty, grimy, or other hazardous environments – such as the Moon or another planetary surface. Our tool changer is free of any exposed parts and is magnetically-latched, includes inductive power and data transfer, and leverages our EPM technology and a structural geometry that is capable of reacting significant forces and moments.

The dust-tolerant tool changers are designed for satellite servicing and planetary science applications on the Moon, Mars, and elsewhere in the solar system, but also have terrestrial applications in mining, food-handling, underwater robotic activity, and hazardous environment robotics.

Key Features

Reduced Weight

No complex latching mechanisms (compared to standard mechanical hardware systems).

Compact Design

Enabling sensors and sampling tools to be inserted into tighter locations.

Low Actuation Power

Solid-state switchable magnet design with low peak power consumption.

Convenient Changeouts

With reduced need for added dust shields, rovers and spacecraft can now store their tools where is most convenient – just like a tool belt.

Remote & Cryogenic

Control electronics are located away from environmental conditions. This enables the magnets to withstand cryogenic conditions – like lunar night survival.

Why EPMs?

EPMs operate by using high current pulses to induce strong magnetic fields. Unlike common electro-magnets, EPMs remain magnetic when the power stops flowing. This, combined with the lack of exposed moving parts, makes EPMs an excellent choice for planetary science missions which otherwise require bulky tool holders (turrets) to prevent dust contamination.

In a surface area less than the size of a human thumb,our EPM technology generates a holding force sufficient to lift 150 lbs.

High Holding Force

> 650 N magnetic grip force

High Reliability

No moving parts, rugged for harsh environments
Fail safe: Maintains full holding force even under loss of power
Space qualified and Lunar dust tolerant

Low Power

< 20 W required to switch states (< 500 microsecond pulse)
No power required to maintain selected state

Lightweight Modular Package

Magnet Volume: 20x40x20 mm, Mass < 2

EPMs in Action

DogTag’s on OneWeb’s Constellation

Supporting end-of-life satellite operations for OneWeb’s constellation.

MagTag + Tool Changer for Robotic Arms

Developing flight-ready robotic arms with EPM interfaces for Maxar and Defense Innovation Unit.

In-Space Assembly with JPL

Designing a universal interface that enables robotic in-space construction, maintenance, and servicing of modular structures.

Intra Vehicle Robotics

Leveraging DogTags to develop passive robotic magnet interfaces that can be attached to various habitat structures.