On-Orbit Assembly of Flexible Space Structures with SWARM
Author(s)
Mohan, Swati; Katz, Jacob G.; Miller, David W.
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On-orbit assembly is an enabling technology for many space applications. However, current methods of human assisted assembly are high in cost and risk to the crew, motivating a desire to automate the on-orbit assembly process using robotic technology. Construction of large space structures will likely involve the manipulation of flexible elements such as trusses or solar panels, and automation for assembly of flexible structures has significant challenges, particularly in control systems. This paper presents results of ground-based experiments on the assembly of a flexible space structures using the hardware developed under the Self-Assembling Wireless Autonomous Reconfigurable Modules (SWARM) program. Results are shown for a series of incremental tests that demonstrate control of a flexible structure, docking, and reconfiguration after docking. These results demonstrate the feasibility of the assembly of flexible structures using this methodology.
Date issued
2010-04Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Aeronautics and AstronauticsJournal
Proceedings of the AIAA Infotech@Aerospace 2010
Publisher
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Citation
Katz, Jacob, Swati Mohan, and David Miller. “On-Orbit Assembly of Flexible Space Structures with SWARM.” In AIAA Infotech@Aerospace 2010. American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2010.
Version: Author's final manuscript
ISBN
978-1-60086-963-1