Motiv Space Systems

Motiv Space Systems designs and manufactures robotic arms, motor controllers, electro-mechanical mechanisms, and rover mobility platforms for space applications. Founded in 2014 by three former JPL and MDA engineers, the Pasadena-based company built the primary robotic arm and Mastcam-Z optomechanical systems on NASA's Mars 2020 Perseverance rover. Its product line includes the xLink modular robotic arm system for on-orbit assembly and satellite servicing, ModuLink modular robotics for in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM), and a family of radiation-hardened motor controllers (Alpha-II, Bravo, Delta, Echo, and Sierra) rated for operation from cryogenic lunar temperatures to deep space environments. Motiv also developed the motion control, mobility, and chassis systems for JPL's CADRE autonomous lunar rover mission. The company serves NASA, JPL, the U.S. Space Force, and commercial space customers, with heritage across Mars surface operations, Earth orbit servicing, and lunar exploration. In 2025, NASA selected Motiv for the Fly Foundational Robots ISAM robotics mission.