Satellite Augmentation
Randy is one of those “rare birds” who is working within the field of his undergraduate degree many years later. Shortly after graduating, he moved from a static test engineer and wind tunnel test conductor into project management, effectively abandoning all practical engineering skills to enter into the arena of motherhood (aka, program management).
Some years later, having managed teams to: design EUVE spacecraft for NASA, deliver a laser ranging system to JAXA, install Marine Armor kits in a war zone (earning the Six Sigma Project of the Year award from MCSC/Quantico), create an FCS logistics system, deliver thermal louvers for USAF spacecraft, deliver numerous proposals to NASA, USACE and DoD, connecting the dots between systems engineering and project management for customers of Vitech Corporation, Randy now enjoys working with small businesses in the SBIR/STTR arena to lead winning proposal teams and guide the project execution team through the commercialization of the technology.
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Satellite Augmentation
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VISION We’re setting the Standard for how the World Maintains Satellites in Orbit “The best way to get to the future is to invent it” The SAM spacecraft is equipped with the tools, technologies, and techniques needed to extend satellites’ lifespans – even those not originally designed to be serviced. The technology demonstrates – the first of its kind in Earth’s expanding space orbits – will create a carefully curated suite of satellite servicing technologies. Capabilities include autonomous satellite rendezvous, refueling, and satellite repositioning. Once proven in space, SAM’s technologies will reduce or eliminate the need for replacing dormant satellites. OUR MISSION Defining the way we Service Satellites Since the advent of satellite technology in 1958 with Explorer I, the U.S. and other countries have sent thousands of satellites into orbit costing millions of dollars per satellite. Today, many of those satellites are still in orbit; most of which have a lifespan of fewer than five years; to retain existing levels of operational capability, new satellites must be developed and launched before existing satellites run out of fuel and begin disintegrating into our atmosphere and in many cases falling to earth at risk to populated areas. In general, a satellite’s life span is not driven by the capability but by the amount of fuel, the satellite has available to maneuver. Satellites require the ability to maneuver to achieve specific orbits or to move out of harm’s way if a possible collision is detected. Once the fuel has been exhausted, the countdown begins and the loss of a satellite, no matter how mission-critical it may be, is imminent. Satellite Augmentation has developed a revolutionary and novel approach to extending a satellite’s lifespan. The ability to re-energize a satellite in orbit, with little to no mission impact, will enable both the Government and the commercial space industry, with the ability to extend the life of their most critical space assets. The idea proposed by Satellite Augmentation offers a cost-effective, universal method, to accomplish the latter. Combined with our patented design, by utilizing industry standards, and commercial off-the-shelf components, this novel idea can quickly move into a proof-of-concept stage and be followed with a viable concept that can be transitioned to the end-user.