PickNik Robotics Secures $3 Million in NASA and Space Force Contracts for Game-Changing Space Tech
In 2024, PickNik Robotics is making waves in space innovation, landing a total of $3 million in contracts to develop cutting-edge robotic solutions for NASA and the United States Space Force (USSF). From servicing space assets to building a permanent lunar presence using robotics, PickNik is shaping the future of space exploration and infrastructure with its innovative MoveIt Pro Space software platform that can be rapidly deployed for any space mission
The following is a summary of programs won throughout 2024:
USSF Phase II SBIR: A Platform for Autonomous Robotic Assisted Capture of Resident Space Objects
In February, PickNik was awarded a $1.7 million Space Force Direct to Phase II SBIR for a groundbreaking project to develop an end-to-end system that uses robot-equipped space vehicles to capture resident space objects (RSOs).
The technology will play a vital role in extending the life of operational satellites through services like in-space servicing (ISAM) and active debris removal (ADR)—all essential for protecting U.S. interests in space. PickNik’s solution is a fully autonomous, bolt-on system designed to integrate with any spacecraft, enabling autonomous RSO identification, tracking, grappling, and capture—plus ground control software and digital twins.
NASA Phase II SBIR: Dexterous Whole-Body Manipulation for Robotic Lunar Operations
In April, NASA awarded PickNik an $850,000 Phase II SBIR to expand its motion planning and execution capabilities to support multi-arm and mobile base robotic systems designed for the Artemis program and beyond.
Our goal is to provide reliable and semi-autonomous robotic software that can crawl, inspect, manipulate, and assemble structures on the Moon and Mars. These robots, equipped with mobile bases and multiple arms, will be essential for performing tasks like habitat maintenance, planetary exploration, and science utilization.
NASA Phase I SBIR: Long Range Navigation Capabilities for Autonomous Mobile Manipulation
PickNik’s momentum continued in June with the award announcement of three Phase I SBIRs. This collaboration with NASA Johnson Space Center focuses on developing autonomous systems that can navigate lunar terrain—critical for supporting scientific exploration and lunar base development during the Artemis missions.
NASA Phase I SBIR: Lunar Autonomy Enabled by SLAM for Space
With NASA Kennedy Space Center, we are enhancing Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (V-SLAM) to create high-fidelity 3D simulations for lunar rovers. This will improve the accuracy and robustness of autonomous lunar operations, including excavation and construction tasks.
NASA Phase I SBIR: Accelerating Space ROS for Lunar Operations
With NASA Ames, PickNik is accelerating the development of the Space Robot Operating System (Space ROS) to make space robotics more interoperable and adaptable. This project aims to cut the time and resources required to integrate robots and systems, accelerating lunar missions and enabling more sustainable operations.
NASA Autonomous Laser Welding for Lunar Infrastructure
In May, PickNik was awarded a contract that will begin in early 2025 for the Lunar Assembly and Service by Autonomous Robotics (LASAR) Early Career Initiative (ECI) with NASA, where we will focus on autonomous laser welding for lunar infrastructure. This innovative work will enable the construction of tall towers and observatories on the Moon—key to building a sustainable lunar presence.
PickNik Robotics is proud to lead the charge in autonomous robotic solutions for space, transforming challenges into opportunities and driving the future of space exploration forward. We have partnered with many commercial space companies as well, including Sierra Space, Motiv Space Systems, and Cislunar Industries.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to innovate, collaborate, and push the boundaries of what is possible in both terrestrial and space robotics.
