Kall Morris Inc: How Octopus-Inspired Technology are Cleaning Up Space

Aug 3, 2024

EcoAero had the opportunity to speak with Troy Morris, Co-Founder and CEO of Kall Morris Inc (KMI), an innovative company dedicated to addressing the critical issue of space debris with innovative solutions. 

Recognizing that space debris poses a significant threat to the functionality and safety of space technologies, KMI is developing groundbreaking approaches to mitigate this growing problem. 

KMI was incorporated in 2019 with the realization that while the potential of space technology is immense, none of these advancements would be viable if space debris continued to be a threat. Space debris can render high-tech hardware and robotics Al useless by causing catastrophic collisions. This led to the foundation of their company, focusing on the remediation of space debris. 

Their innovative Laelaps technology has robotic arms that operate similarly to octopus tentacles, and utilizes mechanical adhesion to attach to pieces of debris in space. This allows the company to apply, predict, and retract objects as needed, providing precise control over the debris in multi-axis rotation. This advanced version of an arcade claw gives them complete control over the debris, enabling it to be moved to safer locations. 

The satellites equipped with Laelaps technology will be launched into space on a free flyer rideshare capable spacecraft. Once in orbit, KMI's process involves tracking the debris using a variety of sensors to achieve meter-level accuracy. They then rendezvous with the debris, secure onto it, and relocate it out of harm's way. 

This method of debris removal is largely autonomous, although they currently plan to employ a 'human in the loop' approach to ensure precision and safety. 

KMI works with both commercial clients and government entities, emphasizing the importance of addressing space debris as a real and urgent issue. They strive to educate and inform the commercial sector about the necessity of their solutions. KMI does not compromise on cost-effectiveness, sustainability, or safety - they view all three as equally crucial. Their commitment to environmental sustainability has been a core principle since the company's inception. However, they also recognize the importance of affordability for their customers and the necessity of staying financially viable as a business. Safety, of course, remains paramount in all their operations. 

The immediate goal for KMI is to test and prove their technology in space, moving beyond Earth-based trials. If successful, they plan to launch a fleet over the next five years, aiming to retrieve about a dozen significant debris objects annually. In the long term, they envision translating their technology to support space exploration and the construction of infrastructure in space. 

KM's approach is proactive and aggressive, ensuring they are not wasting time and resources. They believe that experimentation is essential to learning and progressing, as there are limits to what can be learned from theory alone. Collaboration is also highly valued within the company, as they see it as a positive force in achieving their goals. 

Kall Morris Inc is truly transforming the industry with their cutting-edge space debris removal technology. Their mission to keep space clear for all is a testament to their dedication to solving one of the most pressing challenges in space exploration today.