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SpaceBot Competition

Coming Fall 2025

Design a Robotic Payload for a Satellite!

Space robotics engineers, we need your assistance on a servicing operation!

Gather a team and help design the next generation of robotic servicing satellites. Help SDL repair a known malfunctioning spacecraft called Modular Earth Sensing Surveyor (MESS). This spacecraft is the size of a mini-fridge and is operating in low Earth orbit (LEO).

SDL is developing a new space payload that could enable satellites to attach to and traverse around the exterior of operating satellites. Help test this concept on mission MESS.

Your job is to:

  1. Design, build, and demonstrate a SpaceBot system that can traverse around another satellite.
  2. Validate the activity in a simulation to prove the concept in a space environment.

A ground demonstration will be performed in spring 2026. SDL will perform rendezvous and docking operations to get your robot to the satellite, and then it is up to your team to perform the traversal maneuvers. Good luck!

SpaceBot Logo

2024 SpaceBot Demo Day

BYU Robotics Team
The SpaceBot Demo Day audience listens to the BYU Robotics presentation.
The USU Aggie AstroArm team shares a presentation about their SpaceBot at Demo Day.
Engineering students ready the BYU Robotics SpaceBot for demonstration.
The BYU Robotics team remotely controls their SpaceBot.
Demo Day attendees watch the BYU Robotics SpaceBot demonstration.
The BYU Robotics team celebrates their success.
The USU Aggie AstroArm team gathers for SpaceBot Demo Day.
Representatives from the BYU Robotics team hold the award check and trophy.
Teams compete in the 2024 SpaceBot Competition Demo Day.

Live Demonstration Location

Space Dynamics Laboratory
416 East Innovation Avenue
North Logan, UT 84341

Event Sponsors

Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory

American Society of Mechanical Engineers,
USU Section