Time in Space

SpaceX’s 31st resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS), launched November 4th at 9:29 PM EST, contained KMI’s REACCH prototype for delivery to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for in-space testing. REACCH is an exclusive mechanically articulated end effector with a novel combination of previously-validated technologies in electrostatic adhesion and mechanical gecko adhesion to enable soft and secure capture of objects in space. REACCH is capable of non-destructively securing and selectively releasing objects of nearly any shape, size, or surface condition, making it extremely ubiquitous in capturing a wide variety of orbital debris objects. This payload is set to demonstrate KMI’s Relocation As A Service (RAAS) technology, which offers critical space debris removal and orbit relocation capabilities, enabling safer and more sustainable space operations.