ORCA Student Lead: Aiden Dunlop Student Team Members: Simon Cura, Kailea Danielson, Aiden Dunlop, Kayleigh Fischer, Madison Jacobs, Sydney Luttrell, Nhi Nguyen, Liv Ordoñez Faculty: Dr. Kaela Martin and Dr. Dawn Armfield The Orbital Retrieval and Containment Apparatus (ORCA) project addresses the growing issue of orbital debris in low Earth orbit (LEO). With over 12,000 small satellites currently in orbit and projections exceeding 60,000 by 2030, inactive CubeSats pose an increasing threat to active missions and future launches. ORCA is designed as a cost-effective, deployable system capable of remotely capturing defunct CubeSats ranging in size from 1U to 6U. The system employs a robotic arm capture mechanism that secures the target satellite for containment. ORCA’s design emphasizes reusability of external power sources and low-cost commercial components for an Earth-based prototype. By focusing on CubeSat-sized debris, ORCA provides a practical and scalable solution that complements ongoing international efforts in debris mitigation. ORCA contributes to safer orbital operations, reduces the likelihood of fragmentation events, and supports the long-term sustainability of space for commercial, governmental and scientific missions.
PIGASUS Student Lead: Kyle Lake Student Team Members: Ken Bee, Stephanie Hannis, Kadin Hume, Benjamin Knoell, Kyle Lake, Nathan Viser, Rex Weber Faculty: Dr. Kaela Martin and Dr. Dawn Armfield Project PIGASUS (Propellant Interface for Gaseous Assistance of Small Under-fueled Spacecraft) is developing a standardized docking and refueling interface to extend the operational lifespan of small spacecraft. Many satellites in constellations depend on gaseous or sublimating solid fuels, such as xenon or iodine, yet lack practical methods for in-orbit refueling. PIGASUS addresses this problem by providing a modular docking system through a secure mechanical coupling, fluid transfer, and data exchange. The system architecture consists of three integrated subsystems: Structures, Avionics and Fluidics. The Structures subsystem ensures stable docking with tolerance for misalignment and operational safety margins. The Avionics subsystem enables communication, docking state detection and thermal regulation for reliable performance. The Fluidic subsystem provides controlled propellant transfer, leak prevention and heated lines to accommodate sublimating fuels. Collectively, these features enable the PIGASUS system to perform repeatable docking cycles, maintain secure connections, and transfer propellant within defined pressure and flow ranges. By promoting compatibility across satellites from different organizations, PIGASUS aims to advance the standardization of in-space servicing to reduce satellite replacement frequency, lower operational costs and support more sustainable space operations, ultimately contributing to long-term viability of satellite constellations.
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COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
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