On-Orbit Servicing (OOS) describes a service in space where a satellite, part of a satellite or in general a structure is maintained, repaired or extended. Apart of lifetime extension, on-orbit servicing comprises also debris removal missions. These missions are very challenging and require a number of new technologies for inspection, approach (“rendezvous”), capturing and, last but not least, for the final maintenance or removal service.
At DLR Space Operations, scientists focus on safe and robust rendezvous to non-cooperative, passive and potentially tumbling targets. With the EPOS facility (see RB Portfolio EPOS), the motion of such targets can be simulated and the rendezvous phases can be tested within hardware-in-the-loop simulations.
More information about Relative Guidance, Navigation and Control for Rendezvous and End-to-End Simulation can be found in the Portfolio Module on the right (see Downloads section).