PASADENA, Calif., Aug. 12, 2025 – Motiv Space Systems has been awarded a NASA SBIR Phase III contract to develop and operate an advanced in-space robotic payload as part of the agency’s Fly Foundational Robots initiative. As part of this award, Motiv has participated in mission concept studies with commercial spacecraft providers that will allow NASA to analyze critical servicing and mobility technologies needed for the next generation of autonomous space operations.

Under this program, Motiv will deliver a mobile robotic arm capable of dexterous manipulation, autonomous tool use, and—uniquely—walking across spacecraft surfaces in microgravity. These demonstrations could lay the groundwork for robotic servicing, inspection, and assembly tasks in orbit.

In the proposed mission design, Motiv would lead development and operations of the payload, with support from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, which is contributing technical collaboration and operational expertise. The mission reflects NASA’s broader goals under its In-space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) strategy.

“The mission concept effort lays out next steps for proving that cost-effective robotic systems can reliably service and upgrade spacecraft in orbit,” said Chris Thayer, CEO of Motiv Space Systems. “We’re honored to support NASA in shaping the future of autonomous space operations.”

As part of the program, Motiv also seeks to host academic researchers as guest roboticists, providing opportunities for hands-on collaboration and experimentation in space robotics. This effort will help broaden the community developing advanced robotic capabilities for space and inspire future mission concepts.

This effort builds on Motiv’s track record of delivering flight-proven robotic systems for both deep space and Earth orbit applications, including the robotic arm on NASA’s Mars 2020 Perseverance rover and on-orbit robotic platforms.

About Motiv Space Systems

Motiv Space Systems is a Pasadena, California-based company specializing in robotic systems and motion control solutions for space. From planetary exploration to satellite servicing and on-orbit infrastructure, Motiv’s hardware and software enable the next era of autonomous