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Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland 20771

ENGINEERING COLLOQUIUM

Monday, December 14, 2015 / 3:30 PM, Building 3 Auditorium

Ben Reed

"Overview of Robotic Satellite Servicing"

ABSTRACT -- Sure, you've heard of robotic satellite servicing – but what exactly does it mean for science and exploration missions?  Is it more than just robotic refueling?  In this presentation, Benjamin Reed gives an overview of NASA's satellite servicing efforts: from the core technologies that servicing entails, to the capabilities that it unlocks across NASA missions.  Along the way, he'll describe the maturation path for critical servicing technologies, including autonomous rendezvous systems, high–speed computing, dexterous robotics, smart tools, and propellant transfer systems.  He'll also discuss what elements and approaches can make cooperative servicing an option for future missions.  With the right technology mix behind it, in-orbit servicing is a valuable tool: a tool that can serve as the "master enabler" to create space architectures that would otherwise be unattainable.

SPEAKER -- Benjamin B. Reed currently serves as the deputy project manager of the Satellite Servicing Capabilities Office at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.  In this position, he is responsible for the formulation, development, and execution of a portfolio of technologies cultivated to provide satellite-servicing capabilities in support of Agency missions and national objectives.  His responsibilities include liaison with NASA mission directorates, other Government agencies, aerospace manufacturers, satellite fleet owners and operators, and insurance agencies on matters related to satellite servicing.  


No Colloquium Next Week: See you in the New Year!
Engineering Colloquium home page: https://ecolloq.gsfc.nasa.gov