Conducting scientific research in space presents unique challenges due to the extreme conditions, such as weightlessness, vacuum, high-energy radiation, and temperature variations. Traditional methods involving human intervention are limited and costly, requiring the development of technologies for autonomous control of scientific experiments. Different solutions are available for this purpose; to this end, this study focuses on designing and evaluating a small robotic gripper module for autonomous operation in space for pursuing such research. The research aims to address the need for autonomous systems by developing a lightweight, modular, scalable, adaptable, and cost-effective module for scientific experiments on a U-factor platform. The implementation and validation of the design focus primarily on the module, overlooking the complete robotic gripper system. The work begins with defining the concept of operations and establishing requirements. The chosen module design is then validated and tested using software simulation tools, eliminating the need for extensive physical prototyping and reducing associated time and costs. The resulting virtual 3D model of the module serves as the basis for validating the design. The results of the study, namely simulation of the behavior to different inputs to the module, highlight the potential of the proposed solution, which can be used as a building block for a larger system. Some limitations lie in the presence of backlash in the gearbox, as well as the need of a more in-depth analysis of the control system. However, these are not critical and can be taken into consideration in future iterations of the design, as addressed in other studies. By developing a module for an autonomous small robotic gripper for space experimentation, this research contributes to the advancement of autonomous control systems and the expansion of scientific research capabilities in the challenging space environment. In particular, it represents a good starting point for future work onthe design of a complete robotic gripper system for U-factor platforms.