TITAN robotic arm from PIAP Space aims to automate in-orbit inspection

PIAP said it expects systems like TITAN to be deployed before the end of this decade. | Source: PIAP Space

PIAP Space Sp. z o. o., a Polish developer of robotics for space applications, aims to use robotics to cut down the time and cost of maintaining multimillion-dollar satellites. The company yesterday released its TITAN robotic arm, which can perform in-orbit inspections, repairs, and satellite upgrades.

With the exponential growth of the satellite industry, Earth’s orbit is increasingly crowded with active and inactive spacecraft, noted PIAP. This congested environment raises the risk of malfunctions, collisions, and lost investments. Many satellites are still operational in terms of hardware but become unusable due to failure in just one component, the company said.

Without robotics, the only way to fix a satellite is to deorbit it and replace it with an entirely new one. This adds to space debris and skyrocketing mission costs. That’s why autonomous in-orbit servicing (IOS) is rapidly becoming a strategic priority for the European Space Agency (ESA) and the global space sector.

TITAN is PIAP Space’s response to these challenges. The company designed the robot specifically for on-orbit applications.

“TITAN is the most advanced of this type of robotic manipulator ever developed in Poland and likely one of the most capable in its class across Europe,” said Paweł Paśko, head of the mechatronics section at PIAP Space. “We designed it to be scalable, modular, and versatile enough for orbital and planetary missions. With proper sealing, it can also operate in dusty environments — including the lunar surface covered in regolith.”

PIAP is ready for future servicing missions

PIAP developed the high-precision robotic arm for orbital operations such as satellite inspection, component replacement, docking assistance, and module installation. TITAN has a 2 m (6.5 ft.) reach and seven degrees of freedom, allowing for sub-millimeter accuracy — 0.5 mm in positioning and 0.1° in orientation.

The company equipped it with a redundant architecture to ensure uninterrupted performance. Each joint features independent power lines, data buses, and thermal control to prevent system-wide failure.

TITAN’s modular design also allows the arm to be equipped with various custom end effectors, including multipurpose grippers, sensors, and tool interfaces. Its universal electrical-mechanical interface enables rapid configuration for satellite capture, cable handling, refueling, or orbital assembly. PIAP said this flexibility makes it suitable for various use cases — from essential servicing to complex construction operations in orbit.

The Warsaw-based company, acting as prime contractor and consortium leader, announced the successful completion of the engineering model and final testing. Funded by ESA with a €2.6 million ($2.9 million U.S.) contract, TITAN has achieved Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL 6), proving its functionality in a simulated orbital environment. This means the system is now ready for integration into future servicing missions.

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TITAN to be adapted for IOSHEX initiative

PIAP is also adapting TITAN for the IOSHEX initiative — a joint project between ESA and SAB Aerospace. The project’s goal is to establish a long-term, in-orbit servicing platform in low Earth orbit (LEO), where robotic arms like TITAN will perform maintenance and refurbishment tasks.

The IOSHEX module will remain in orbit for up to five years as a robotic service station, while the ESA Space Rider vehicle will deliver replacement components and return obsolete equipment to Earth for recycling. PIAP Space is responsible for providing a robotic arm capable of conducting precise operations in microgravity — including on-orbit part replacement and hardware disassembly.

PIAP Space has already developed advanced solutions for planetary exploration, including the robotic arm for the ESA ARGONAUT lunar lander under the MANUS program. The company has also delivered a suite of modular robotic grippers developed under the ORBITA project, contributed to satellite refueling concepts, and participated in developing the In-Space Transportation Vehicle (ISTV).

PIAP will officially present the TITAN prototype on April 14 and 15 during the ESA Space Security Conference in Warsaw.

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