NASA has agreed to collaborate with hover engines manufacturer Arx Pax to develop a device that will work to capture, control and maneuver small satellites and other space objects from a distance through a magnetic tether.
Arx Pax said Wednesday it will use its Magnetic Field Architecture platform to develop the tool under a Space Act agreement with NASA.
NASA uses Space Act agreements to partner with organizations that build technologies the space agency deems as “not part of NASA’s core competency.”
The company’s MFA is designed to help transmit electromagnetic energy for usage in areas such as transportation and industrial automation.
NASA and the California-based company want the device to help improve efficiencies of miniaturized satellites and plan to expand its use for future space exploration missions.