Solution Description:

DogTags are a lightweight, low-cost cooperative capture interface installed on a satellite before launch making target spacecraft much easier to capture by combining a sheet of magnetically grippable ferrous material with optical fiducial markings. This technology provides an easy machine vision target for simple rendezvous sensors. The ferrous material in DogTags provides a strong magnetic target for the EPM gripper head, without retaining significant residual magnetic fields when the gripper is removed, thereby minimizing magnetic interference with target spacecraft. The fiducial markings enable the a sensor to precisely estimate relative position and movement of the capture target prior to connection without the need for complex and expensive LIDAR systems. DogTag are optimized for magnetic grappling but are compatible with a variety of grapple methods. The immediate use-case is for the de-orbit of non-functioning satellites to mitigate space debris. Additional use-cases include tugging functional satellites to new orbits, acting as an anchor point for satellite servicing, and capture and stow of various payloads. The DogTag has optical fiducials for simpler rendezvous, proximity operations and robotic capture and a stood-off grapple panel structure that enables grappling via a wide range of methods, including: • Magnetic Capture • Mechanical Capture • Gecko Adhesion • Electrostatic Adhesion • Chemical Adhesion • Harpoon Capture