PIAP Space is a Polish state-owned company established in 2017, which is a leader in the EU in the field of space robotic systems for orbital and planetary solutions. The company’s flagship products include the TITAN robotic arm and in-orbit servicing grapplers, including the LARIS grappler, developed as part of the EROSS projects, used to grab satellites by the Launch Adapter Ring – currently the most advanced device of its kind in Europe. PIAP Space is also the main contractor for ESA projects such as: TITAN (TRL 6), MANUS (prototype robotic manipulator for the ARGONAUT mission), European FTS (force and torque sensor), INORT (feasibility study and action plan for key technologies in the field of in-orbit refuelling), RAVEN (feasibility study for a national in-orbit transfer vehicle), as well as other ESA projects in the field of orbital and planetary robotics.
PIAP Space focuses on two specializations:
- SPACE ROBOTICS – PIAP Space develops technologies and products in the field of space robotics, both for in-orbit operations and future ISAM missions, as well as planetary missions. The following products have been developed to date: TITAN robotic arm (TRL6), LARIS gripper (TRL5/6), MULTIS gripper (TRL 4/5), FTS sensor (TRL6). MECHANICAL
- GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT (MGSE) – PIAP Space offers various types of equipment for the assembly, integration and testing of satellites and their subsystems. The company has experience in supplying integration adapters (GHA) and vibration test adapters (VTA). It also manufactures integration stations for satellites and their panels (PIS, PIT). In addition, it offers clamps, lifting devices and MGSE equipment compatible with thermal and vacuum conditions.
Key achievements in the space sector:
FORTIS (Force and Torque Sensor) is a light, compact, redundant sensor measuring forces and torques with high precision. With communication and power passing through, it can be placed between the gripper and robotic arm, giving valuable data. FORTIS It is compatible with different mechanisms, robotics and navigation systems and can be used in different in-orbit (LEO, GEO), moon and planetary missions.
LARIS (Launch Adapter Ring Gripper) is an end-effector mounted on a robotic arm or as a separate clamping mechanism. With low weight, large grasping envelope, multiple sensors, and the ability to withstand high loads, it is a perfect tool for its purpose. LARIS was designed for servicing satellite, to be able to grasp the client satellite during capturing manoeuvre in order to enable maintenance, repair, trajectory control or deorbiting. It was designed as a subsystem compatible with both prepared and unprepared spacecrafts.
MULTIS (Robotic Multipurpose Gripper) is a multipurpose end-effector that functions as both a gripper and tool exchanger. Designed for delicate handling in harsh space environments, it excels in maintenance, repairs, and inspections. Its tool-swapping capability ensures safe, functional structures, making it ideal for in-orbit and planetary missions. MULTIS integrates two main subsystems: a Rotary Module capable of 360° rotation and a Gripper Module with interchangeable tool capacity. After intercepting the client satellite, MULTIS intends to perform multiple tasks that may require precision, and using several interchangeable tools is perfectly suited for this job.
TITAN (Robitic arm) is designed for In-Orbit Services in different kind of orbital operations missions as the primary external component for service satellites. TITAN has 7 Degrees of Freedom (DoF). It achieves any position and orientation within the available working space. Its modular architecture makes it easily convertible to a variety of orbital and planetary applications.
SGF (Standard Gripping Fixture) is a mechanical interface designed for prepared satellites as a holder mounted on satellite that can be used for grappling and LAR docking.
Missions:
EROSS (European Robotic Orbital Support Services) objective is to demonstrate the European solutions for the Servicers and the Serviced LEO/GEO. Launch date in the frame of ISOS is planned for 2029. PIAP Space is responsible for a LAR gripper (LARIS), which is currently the most advanced gripper of this type in the EU
