Orbital ATK enters public-private partnership with NASA to develop critical technology for in-orbit assembly

DULLES, Va.Orbital ATK (NYSE:OA), a provider of aerospace and defense technologies, has started a public-private partnership with NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) to establish a Commercial Infrastructure for Robotic Assembly and Services (CIRAS) in space. The CIRAS program will advance key technologies for in-orbit manufacturing and assembly of large space structures that will help NASA meet its goals for robotic and human exploration of the solar system.

“Orbital ATK, and our Space Logistics LLC subsidiary are pioneering the future of commercial space technology,” says Orbital ATK Space Systems Group President Frank Culbertson. “Through this partnership and the first phase of the contract award, we will demonstrate our space logistics capabilities with new robotics technology. Our CIRAS team will create technologies that will advance the nation’s capability for building the framework needed for NASA’s journey to Mars, as well as shape the future of commercial space infrastructure.”

Orbital ATK will serve as prime contractor of CIRAS, with support provided from its wholly owned subsidiary, Space Logistics LLC, along with NASA’s Langley Research Center, NASA’s Glenn Research Center, and the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory.

Phase one of CIRAS began in September 2016 and will last a total of two years. During this period, Orbital ATK will lead the team in maturing technologies necessary for robotic assembly of large space structures, such as next-generation telescopes or solar-powered structures for transport or communications. These capabilities include methods to connect or disconnect joints on a structure and address precision measuring and alignment through a 15-meter robotic arm and a precision robot.

The team will also develop the technology needed to conduct in-orbit modular assembly of structures, allowing parts to be brought to space as needed via multiple launches, which simplifies the design of spacecraft and reduces cost.

“We are well on our way to providing the industry’s first in-orbit satellite life extension service with our Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV),” says Tom Wilson, president, Space Logistics LLC. “During CIRAS, we will build upon the MEV’s existing capabilities, such as rendezvous and docking. It’s an amazing opportunity to execute our roadmap to develop the technologies and lower the risks of delivering higher value, more sophisticated space logistics to support many civil and commercial mission opportunities in the future.”

CIRAS is one of three programs awarded under the NASA STMD’s "Utilizing Public-Private Partnerships to Advance Tipping Point Technologies” solicitation. This program called upon commercial companies to mature technologies beyond their “tipping point” with the goal of enabling private industry to develop and qualify them for market, stimulating the commercial space industry while delivering technologies and capabilities needed for future NASA missions and commercial applications.

Orbital ATK designs, builds, and delivers space, defense and aviation systems for customers around the world, both as a prime contractor and merchant supplier. Its main products include launch vehicles and related propulsion systems; missile products, subsystems and defense electronics; precision weapons, armament systems and ammunition; satellites and associated space components and services; and advanced aerospace structures. Headquartered in Dulles, Virginia, Orbital ATK employs approximately 12,000 people in 18 states across the U.S. and in several international locations.

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