Abstract: A rover includes a suspension configured to traverse uneven and unpredictable terrain, such as for example on an astronomical body. Each wheel is independently suspended off of the rover chassis with a linkage assembly comprising a pair of canted links which are able to continuously rotate relative to each other without collision or interference. The links allow the rover to independently adjust the height of each wheel relative to the chassis to drive over difficult terrain, and further allow the linkage assembly at each wheel to rotate 360° to effectively step or walk over particularly difficult terrain.

Abstract: To facilitate on-orbit servicing, such as for a refueling operation, techniques are presented for a servicing satellite to cut through the multi-layer insulation blanket of a client satellite to provide access to the client satellite without releasing unacceptable quantities of foreign object debris from the multi-layer insulation. The serving satellite includes a sealing tool, such as a pair of heater rollers, that apply pressure and heat to the insulating blanket to melt the inner layers and seal the outer layers together. The servicing satellite can then use a cutting tool to cut the sealed region and access the client satellite.