Kall Morris, Inc. from Marquette prepares advanced space debris removal technology for use on the International Space Station

Marquette-based Kall Morris Incorporated, or KMI, is gearing up to send its latest piece of technology to the International Space Station (ISS). Founded in 2019 by three Northern Michigan University alums, KMI identified a problem with space debris and has been working on a solution.

Last summer, KMI was awarded a contract through NASA to conduct an in-space demonstration on the ISS. The equipment they will be deploying is a project called Responsive Engaging Arms for Captive Care and Handling, or REACCH. This technology is designed to grapple onto space debris such as defunct satellites or rocket bodies and secure them rigidly to be moved to a new location.

Engineers at KMI emphasized the importance of addressing the issue of space debris, which can impact daily technologies like GPS satellites. They believe that their success in capturing space debris will not only benefit their own work but also have a positive impact on the community and technology users.

In the coming weeks, KMI will be sending the REACCH hardware to Texas before it is delivered to the launch facility in July. The company is proud to be based in Marquette and is excited to show that groundbreaking technology can come from anywhere, not just traditional space hubs. The launch of the REACCH hardware to connect with the ISS is scheduled for mid-September.

As KMI continues to push the boundaries of technology and space exploration, they are determined to make a positive impact on the world around them. Their innovative approach to solving the problem of space debris demonstrates the potential for advancements in space technology to come from unexpected places.