Autonomous docking is an important part of spacecraft innovation since it unlocks the potential for spacecraft to join, thus opening the realm of in-space assembly (making bigger complex space structures using building blocks) and on-orbit servicing (transfer of goods and services in space). Non-contact docking is a concept where two or more spacecraft are locked to each other without any physical contact between each other. This creates a safer way to attach to another spacecraft since if there are any errors while approaching the mother spacecraft, there is less probability of both crashing since the magnet will repel the spacecraft. Therefore, there is less chance of touch and leakage issues. Smaller spacecraft that operate through non-contact docking can be used in formation flying, surveillance, security, and fault detection for larger “mother” spacecraft.
In this paper, we discuss the concept and technology needed to achieve noncontact docking in the space environment. Our objective is to have two spacecraft in space and being able to do autonomous non-contact docking. The docking spacecraft may identify each other using active lighting cues by using flashing LEDs and photodetectors. Once the spacecraft have been identified they will approach each other and align accordingly so that both magnets are next to each other. Once the two spacecraft are sufficiently close enough to each other, we propose using magnets for alignment and non-contact docking.
Electromagnetic levitation is one of the safest ways of approaching this problem. A magnetic field will ensure a stable storage position and will enable the CubeSat to “hover” around the mother spacecraft. This can be achieved by including ratiometric sensors, once the magnetic field increases the voltage will also increase in the electromagnet, with a negative feedback to help it stabilize. The device will have concentric anti-polar magnets that repel and attract to have a stable position. Multiple tests of the electromagnets signal level will be done to make sure the spacecraft can be levitated. This will provide an idea on how far the spacecraft can be reached from. We aim to arrive at relations between magnetic field strength, electric power consumption and corresponding hover distances between spacecraft of various masses by means of simulations and preliminary lab testing.
EVALUATION OF NON-CONTACT AUTONOMOUS DOCKING FOR SMALL SATELLITES
Proceedings of the 44th Annual American Astronautical Society Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference, 2022 ; Kapitel : 100 ; 1777-1789
2024-01-01
13 pages
Aufsatz/Kapitel (Buch)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
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