In-orbit assembly: a baseline for large space structures through standardised tiles and interfaceable elements

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dc.contributor.authorJi Zhang, Yi Qiang
dc.contributor.authorWright, Rachel
dc.contributor.authorAlão, Sara
dc.contributor.authorArora, Triyan Pal
dc.contributor.authorFernandes, James Nathan
dc.contributor.authorHaskett, Roman
dc.contributor.authorIdiondo, Xabier
dc.contributor.authorKreutz, Adrien
dc.contributor.authorRodriguez Gomez, Pablo Javier
dc.contributor.authorMartinez Galisteo, Maria
dc.contributor.authorSantín, Óscar
dc.contributor.authorSoltani, Yacine
dc.contributor.authorFelicetti, Leonard
dc.contributor.authorUpadhyayn, Saurabh
dc.date.accessioned2024-01-09T11:33:26Z
dc.date.available2024-01-09T11:33:26Z
dc.date.issued2023-07-04
dc.description.abstractNovel mission concepts of large space infrastructures such as Space-Based Solar power, Large Scale Communications, ultra-wide telescopes, are not possible without in-situ assembly, due to modern launch vehicle constraints. Some of the key challenges of in-orbit assembly of large structures are standardized components, efficient and simple robotic assembly and structural integrity in the build. This paper will detail an in-depth technology demonstration mission description of an in-orbit assembly mission utilizing robotic assemblers. To do so, we propose utilizing a standardized and modular tile, or building block, that can embed diverse types of payloads, provide locomotion, and acts as a structural element by creating a more robust and sounder base frame. This multipurpose tile reduces production costs. Two launches will be considered: a Hub station with the necessary mission subsystems; and a Supply Vehicle with cargo storage capability for the tile components. The aim is to highlight and test the aforementioned novel technologies to be used in space assembly. The mass and cost budgets will highlight the relationship between in-orbit mass injected and necessary cost, and any other requirements necessary for scalability.  For the demonstration building of the desired structure the Hub and Supply vehicle will rendezvous and dock in a Sun Synchronous Earth orbit. A 6 degree of freedom robotic arm will navigate with the aid of a path planning algorithm through an electrically powered rail system embedded on the backside of the tile structure, performing the assembly process. The locomotion will be aided by tracks and ball joint interfaces for the rail. The tiles would be picked by the arm and transported from the cargo vehicle to its destination, interlocked with other tiles through an interface, building up the size of the structure and the reach of the assembler. The payload interface on the frontside of tile is designed to accept various kinds than can be replaceable. The Hub will provide AOCS, power, and communications to the structure during assembly.  The information presented in this paper is intended to be used as a starting point and reference source for sustainable future developments regarding in-orbit assembly of large space infrastructures. Our design is developed as a baseline, we have considered studies and have demonstrated the scalability capabilities of the proposed approach using standardized tiles. The scalability model created by this concept enables through a streamlined and efficient manner projects for years to come.en_UK
dc.identifier.citationJi Zhang YQ, Alão S, Fernandes JN, et al., (2023) In-orbit assembly: a baseline for large space structures through standardised tiles and interfaceable elements. In: 74th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), 2-6 October 2023, Baku, Azerbaijan.en_UK
dc.identifier.urihttps://dl.iafastro.directory/event/IAC-2023/paper/78354/
dc.identifier.urihttps://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/20623
dc.language.isoenen_UK
dc.publisherInternational Astronautical Federation (IAF)en_UK
dc.rightsAttribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International*
dc.rights.urihttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/*
dc.subjectIn-orbit assemblyen_UK
dc.subjectSpace roboticsen_UK
dc.subjectLarge space structuresen_UK
dc.subjectIn-situ assemblyen_UK
dc.subjectMission designen_UK
dc.titleIn-orbit assembly: a baseline for large space structures through standardised tiles and interfaceable elementsen_UK
dc.title.alternativeAn in-orbit assembly concept for large space infrastructures through multipurpose standardized tiles and robotic assembleren_UK
dc.typeConference paperen_UK
dcterms.dateAccepted2023-07-04

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