Poznan University of Technology has joined a European consortium that has secured funding under the European Defence Fund (EDF 2025) for the project TAC – TACTICAL-CAPTURE: Development of Tactically Responsive In-Space Mobility and Standard Interface-less Capture Technology by Welding.

The project aims to develop an innovative on-orbit satellite servicing system capable of inspecting, capturing, and docking with any spacecraft without the need for standard docking interfaces by employing in-space welding technology. Within the project, Poznan University of Technology is responsible for automating the final phase of Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) and capturing the object to be welded.

The project paves the way for new types of space missions, including the protection of orbital assets, satellite relocation, deorbiting, and modular satellite assembly. At the same time, it is expected to reduce system complexity and costs while increasing operational flexibility. The work carried out at Poznan University of Technology will be led by Dr Eng. Marek Kraft from the Institute of Robotics and Machine Intelligence.

More information about the project:
https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/document/download/554d5147-63ed-4ed8-b851-1952710df2a1_en?filename=FACTSHEET_EDF_2025_LS_RA_SMERO_NT_101304917_TAC.pdf

The results of the European Defence Fund 2025 call are available here:
https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/commission-invest-eu107-billion-57-defence-projects-supporting-european-readiness-flagships-2026-04-15_en?prefLang=pl