Solution Description:

The Bulldog is a microsatellite-scale (<100kg) servicing tug vehicle that combines high-performance solar electric propulsion systems with innovative magnetic capture and modular servicing robotics, enabling a wide range of space missions, including: spacecraft repositioning, refueling, modular repair or upgrade, modular assembly, space logistics deliveries to facilities, and backup post-mission disposal services. The small form factor is enabled by the use of our EMBARC (Electromagnetic Boom-Assisted Robotic Capture) magnetic capture arm. EMBARC is a 6DOF, long-reach (>3m) extendable/retractable robot arm with a 2DOF shoulder, an extendable/retractable composite boom acting as a linear degree of freedom, a 3DOF articulated wrist, and a dual-mode electropermanent magnetic grapple head at the distal end. The EMBARC arm enables reliable capture at a safe distance from client spacecraft equipped with a magnetic grapple fixture like Altius' DogTag, evenf they’re tumbling or moving relative to the servicer. This eliminates the need for high-thrust formation flight for capturing tumbling targets, and enables the use of high-efficiency low-thrust propulsion systems for most maneuvers. Bulldog includes a traditional 6DOF arm for connecting refueling interfaces, and installing or assembling modules onto a client spacecraft. Because EMBARC handles the highly-dynamic spacecraft capture process, this second servicing arm has greatly relaxed technical requirements.