The EROSS IOD (European Robotic Orbital Support Services In Orbit Demonstrator) project started in 2023.

The main goal of the project is to enable the deployment of advanced space robotics to support sustainable development in space. With the technology used to service satellites On-Orbit, it will be possible to extend their life cycle and improve their service to reduce space debris. It will also be possible to manage satellites while they are operating in space.

As part of the ongoing project, PIAP Space will develop a gripper (Launch Adapter Ring Gripper) to enable servicing of satellites. Consortium led by Thales Alenia Space France (TASF) consist of partners: Sener Aeroespacial, Space Applications Services, German Aerospace Center (DLR), PIAP Space, TIPIK Communication Agency, GMV Aerospace and Defence, SINTEF, EXOTRAIL, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, Network Research Belgium, Thales Alenia Space Italia (TASI), Thales Alenia Space Espana (TASE) and GMVIS Skysoft.

EROSS IOD is a continuation of the finished EROSS + and EROSS projects.

Credits: Thales Alenia Space

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement No 101082464.