Enduralock Advances In-Space Docking Technology with Successful OneLink™ Testing
Lenexa, KS – Enduralock has achieved a major milestone by completing comprehensive form, fit, and function tests on its innovative OneLink™ satellite docking connector. Conducted at the Arkisys 1G robotic ground test facility, these trials simulated zero-gravity conditions to validate the connector’s mechanical latching and alignment systems, critical for future In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) operations.
Simulating Zero-Gravity Docking with Advanced Robotics
The testing setup involved mounting the female half of the OneLink™ connector prototype on an Arkisys Port, while the male half was affixed to a robotic arm provided by Motiv Space Systems. This configuration recreated the challenges of orbital docking, including precise alignment under microgravity. Dr. Harold Hess, Enduralock’s lead engineer, highlighted the connector’s self-aligning and soft docking capabilities, which successfully compensated for both angular and radial misalignments during off-nominal approach scenarios, instilling strong confidence in the design’s robustness.
Pathway to Orbital Integration and Commercial Deployment
Following this technical validation, Enduralock’s OneLink™ is slated for integration into upcoming Arkisys missions. The male connector half will be launched aboard the inaugural Arkisys Cutter Satellite in early 2027, with the female half following on the Arkisys Port Module scheduled for mid-2028. This phased deployment supports Arkisys’ vision of a modular, standardized interface that enables rapid, secure payload integration, fostering a scalable orbital infrastructure.
Strategic Partnerships Driving the Future of Orbital Logistics
Dave Barnhart, CEO of Arkisys, emphasized that the Arkisys Port is engineered as a flexible platform to underpin sustainable orbital commerce, relying on dependable standards and logistics. He stated, “Establishing physical, standardized connections is vital for the growth of the orbital economy, facilitating activities such as refueling, in-space assembly, and cargo transfer between spacecraft, which are foundational for a viable manufacturing ecosystem in orbit.” Dr. Hess added, “Our collaboration with Arkisys demonstrates that OneLink™ sets the benchmark for dependable, repeatable docking operations-an indispensable capability for the next generation of orbital infrastructure.”
OneLink™: A Universal Connector for Power, Data, and Fluid Transfer
The OneLink™ connector is designed as a versatile mechanical interface supporting the transfer of power, data, and fluids, establishing a critical backbone for commercial in-space servicing networks, logistics, and satellite life extension. By reducing operational costs and mitigating risks, OneLink™ unlocks new revenue streams in orbit. Enduralock’s product suite also includes OneCatch, a deployable capture mechanism for satellite servicing and debris removal, and OneBuild, a robotic end effector utilizing Enduralock’s fastening technology. Together, these innovations provide a comprehensive solution for sustainable asset maintenance and construction in space.
About Arkisys
Based in Los Alamitos, California, Arkisys, Inc. specializes in post-launch hosting, integration, and servicing through its proprietary “Port Architecture” spacecraft platform. The company is expanding access to long-duration orbital platforms that accelerate technology maturation and validation for commercial, governmental, and academic users. By integrating diverse subsystem technologies onto modular Port platforms, Arkisys enables innovative missions and payloads while capitalizing on the rapidly expanding on-orbit servicing market, projected to exceed $5 billion by 2030.
For more information, visit Enduralock and Arkisys.
