Description: The Boom-Enabled Actuating Manipulator (BEAM) system's primary purpose is to offer an advanced, multi-functional robotic manipulator solution that can accommodate a wide range of end-effectors, such as mechanical arms, advanced drilling units, and various manipulation tools. This versatility ensures BEAM's capacity to perform diverse tasks, from sample collection and analysis to intricate assembly or repair operations in the challenging environment of space. The intended use of the funding through the SBIR program includes the development and validation of the BEAM system's proof-of-concept, rigorous laboratory testing to establish material and structural integrity, and the construction of a subscale prototype. This funding will also support the exploration of novel materials and mechanisms, such as bi-stable booms and Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) tendons, which are critical for achieving SWaP-C (Size, Weight, Power, and Cost) optimization in space missions. Target markets for the BEAM system encompass a wide range of applications in space exploration, including NASA and other space agency-directed missions to various celestial bodies within our solar system. These missions require innovative solutions for mobility, manipulation, and sampling in low-gravity environments, where the BEAM system's unique capabilities can significantly contribute. Furthermore, the BEAM system's adaptability and efficiency position it as an attractive option for non-traditional space system suppliers and commercial space entities focusing on satellite deployment, space station construction, and deep space exploration. The specific invention of the BEAM system will seek to leverage and build on existing NASA heritage and IP for deployable composite booms per listed active and pending patents.

Benefits: Enhanced Mobility and Manipulation in Space: With its advanced deployable structures and compatibility with various end-effectors, the BEAM system can facilitate intricate sample collection, scientific experiments, and repair tasks on celestial bodies or in orbit, aligning with NASA's goals for Mars exploration, lunar surface missions under the Artemis program, and robotic missions to asteroids and moons. Efficiency and Cost-effectiveness: The BEAM system's SWaP-C optimization contributes to reducing mission costs and improving spacecraft efficiency. This is crucial for extending the duration and scope of NASA's missions, including the long-term human habitation plans on the Moon and Mars. Technological Innovation for Future Missions: By integrating novel materials and structural mechanisms, the BEAM system embodies the cutting-edge technology NASA seeks for future missions to explore the solar system's farthest reaches, including potential missions to Earth's moon, Mars, Venus, Europa, Titan, comets/asteroids and beyond. The commercialization of space-enabled robotics, based on the BEAM system, presents a significant opportunity to revolutionize a wide range of industries, both in space and on Earth. As space exploration and commercialization continue to advance, the demand for innovative robotics solutions is expected to grow substantially. The commercial segment of the space robotics market is projected to experience significant growth, underlined by a projected market valuation of $8 billion by 2031.These technologies offer critical support for tasks including satellite servicing and debris removal, lunar and Martian exploration, asteroid mining, as well as the construction of space habitats and infrastructures. Commercialization opportunities also extend to partnerships with non-US governmental space agencies, leveraging their missions and objectives to develop technologies that benefit both space exploration and commercial interests.