Robots on Orbit - Rogue Space CEO Jeromy Grimmett

In this talk

1. 1:22

   From debris concern to orbital services

   Grimmett says research into orbital debris, including a 2017 estimate of 300,000 potential debris strikes, led him to start Rogue Space. Since customers were not yet paying for debris removal, the company also pursued satellite transport and robotic assistance to build services for a broader market.

2. 9:52

   Building flexible orbital robots

   Rogue Space was developing three types of orbital robots, designed for missions where the destination and task may not be known in advance. Grimmett describes systems that could be reprogrammed or redirected in orbit, with different designs and partners supporting inspection, servicing, transport and debris work.

3. 22:31

   Starting with inspection and close approaches

   Grimmett says the first priority is observation, inspection and close-proximity operations, which he sees as groundwork for more complex missions. He described plans to test around real debris and U.S.-owned assets, subject to government permissions, and said the first mission was targeted for the following year.

4. 27:21

   A tug and service fleet for GEO

   Rogue Space was considering systems in both low Earth orbit and geostationary orbit, with GEO the main focus because of the value of the satellites there. Grimmett projected an initial GEO group of eight to ten systems around mid-2023: one Fred transport vehicle and eight LARs. Fred would carry the smaller robots between targets and also use robotic arms for work.

5. 14:42

   Growing the company through its community

   Grimmett says Rogue Space aims to provide complete capabilities rather than individual spacecraft components, and wants to develop its own company culture. He described a team of more than 30 people, many working full time for equity, and said the company invited supporters and their families to take part in its work.