HRL Software to Tele-operate Robotic Removal of Satellite Parts in Space

MALIBU, Calif., July 1, 2012—HRL Laboratories, LLC, announced today it will develop tele-operations software for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Phoenix Technologies program, which aims to demonstrate technologies to cooperatively harvest and re-use valuable components from retired, nonworking satellites in geosynchronous orbit and demonstrate the ability to create new, more cost-effective space systems.

During the initial 14-month effort, HRL seeks to develop novel sensor-processing and control software to cope with the communication delays and bandwidth limits of tele-operations. “The novel software should enable remote and multiple complex robotic operations, including retired satellite capture, remote satellite repair, and docking and undocking to various points on a satellite, ” Dr. Heiko Hoffmann, HRL senior scientist and program lead in the effort, said.

When developed, HRL’s approach could enable other new opportunities for robotic service in remote locations, including construction, maintenance and repair of assets in harsh environments, support for soldiers in the battlefield, and explosive ordinance disposal.

###

HRL Laboratories, LLC, Malibu, California (www.hrl.com) is a corporate research-and-development laboratory owned by The Boeing Company and General Motors specializing in research into sensors and materials, information and systems sciences, applied electromagnetics, and microelectronics. HRL provides custom research and development and performs additional R&D contract services for its LLC member companies, the U.S. government, and other commercial companies.

Media Inquiries: 310-317-5321