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    From Sketch Pad to Launch Pad: U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s Space Robotics Revolution [Image 2 of 7]

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    This is a hand-drawn engineering notebook page from NRL (Naval Research Laboratory), dated 9/12/2002, authored by MBrown. It depicts two schematic diagrams illustrating the 'WB Gapfiller - Docking with Rescuesat after Despin' concept, showing a spacecraft docking sequence. The drawings detail mechanical components including grappling mechanisms, repositioning mechanisms, and docking mechanisms across two phases of the operation.

    WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, UNITED STATES

    07.16.2026

    Photo by Emily Winget 

    U.S. Naval Research Laboratory

    First draft sketch of RescueSat by U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Mike Brown, 2002 from original concept proposal to Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). This sketch represents one of the earliest visions of what ultimately became the Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS) payload. (U.S. Navy historical document)

    IMAGE INFO

    Date Taken: 07.16.2026
    Date Posted: 07.16.2026 11:47
    Photo ID: 9814045
    VIRIN: 020912-N-NO204-1002
    Resolution: 1700x2200
    Size: 588.76 KB
    Location: WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US
    Web Views: 28
    Downloads: 2

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    This work, From Sketch Pad to Launch Pad: U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s Space Robotics Revolution [Image 7 of 7], by Emily Winget, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

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    This is a hand-drawn engineering notebook page from NRL (Naval Research Laboratory), dated 9/12/2002, authored by M. Brown. It depicts a 'Wideband Gapfiller' satellite in flat spin, showing a 'Despin Concept' using solar panel soft pads to arrest rotation. The page includes dimensional drawings, angular momentum calculations, and torque requirements to stop rotation in 60 seconds.
    This is a hand-drawn engineering notebook page from NRL (Naval Research Laboratory), dated 9/12/2002, authored by MBrown. It depicts two schematic diagrams illustrating the 'WB Gapfiller - Docking with Rescuesat after Despin' concept, showing a spacecraft docking sequence. The drawings detail mechanical components including grappling mechanisms, repositioning mechanisms, and docking mechanisms across two phases of the operation.
    The image shows a large, dark industrial or research facility featuring multiple robotic arms engaged in what appears to be a precision manipulation or assembly task. Two distinct robotic systems — one black and one white — are positioned facing each other, interacting with a central instrumented payload or device. The setting suggests a space simulation, robotics testing, or advanced manufacturing environment.
    The image shows a multi-jointed robotic arm mounted on a wheeled metal platform inside an anechoic chamber, identifiable by the characteristic foam-covered walls designed to absorb electromagnetic or acoustic waves. The robotic arm appears to be positioned toward a white rectangular frame structure, possibly a test fixture or antenna mount. Various cables and wiring are visible throughout the setup, suggesting an active testing or calibration environment.
    The image shows a large indoor robotics or aerospace testing facility with multiple personnel gathered around computer workstations monitoring operations. On the right side of the facility, a complex robotic arm system is positioned adjacent to what appears to be a spacecraft or satellite mock-up covered in thermal blankets. The environment resembles a NASA or defense contractor test lab, with safety markings, camera tripods, and extensive cabling visible throughout.
    A space shuttle orbiter is displayed inside a large hangar-style museum facility, illuminated by photography studio lighting equipment including umbrella softboxes. The scene appears to be a professional photo shoot or documentation session taking place in low ambient light conditions. The facility has a large arched steel roof structure typical of aerospace museum display halls.
    The image shows a large scientific or industrial facility featuring a series of circular ring-shaped electromagnets or focusing coils arranged in a linear sequence, consistent with a particle accelerator beamline or similar physics research apparatus. The environment is dimly lit with dramatic red and amber lighting, revealing extensive cabling, electronic rack-mounted equipment, and overhead utility infrastructure. The scale and complexity of the installation suggest a major research laboratory setting.

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    From Sketch Pad to Launch Pad: U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s Space Robotics Revolution

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    TAGS

    DARPA
    research and development
    U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
    US Navy
    Department of War
    Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites (RSGS)

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