SBIR Phase I: On-Orbit Servicing Systems

这一小型企业创新研究(SBIR)第一阶段项目的更广泛影响将是开发一种用于航天器在轨维修的新型机电系统，以便能够捕获、对接航天器。并补充燃料。该系统将延长航天器的使用寿命，并能够营救失败的飞行任务，为商业和公共实体节省资金。延长商业项目的飞行任务寿命预计将转化为减少提供信息和服务的费用；同样，延长政府赞助的飞行任务将能够降低与卫星发射相关的费用。拟议中的项目将为航天器创建一个捕获和加油系统，用于拼车系统。捕获系统的要求包括：与接近和制导传感器的兼容性；低功率操作；以及自主对准。对接和加油要求包括：形成坚硬、防泄漏的结构连接以输送燃料；以及在没有二次驱动系统的情况下打开客户航天器上的燃料端口的机制。最后，为了与搭便车兼容，机械臂必须在尺寸、重量和功率方面进行优化；它必须有末端执行器和工具交换机构。所有子系统必须与空间的极端环境条件完全兼容。拟议的工作将涉及开发需求和规范的系统工程过程；概念设计开发；详细设计、分析和建模；以及面包板测试。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

The broader impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project would be to develop a novel electromechanical system for on-orbit servicing of spacecraft so that a spacecraft can be captured, dock. and refuel. This system will extend the useful life of spacecraft and enable the rescue of failed missions, representing savings to commercial and public entities alike. Mission life extensions of commercial projects are expected to translate into reduced costs of delivering information and services; similarly, extensions of government-sponsored missions will enable lowered costs associated with satellite launches. The proposed project will create a capture and refueling system for spacecraft to be used in ride-share systems. Capturing system requirements include: compatibility with proximity and guidance sensors; low-power operation; and autonomous alignment. Docking and refueling requirements include: formation of a rigid, leak-proof, structural connection to deliver fuel; and a mechanism to open the fuel port on the client spacecraft without secondary actuation systems. Finally, for ride-share compatibility, the robot arm must be optimized for size, weight, and power; and it must have end-effectors and a tool exchange mechanism. All subsystems must be fully compatible with the extreme environmental conditions of space. The proposed effort will address the systems engineering process of developing requirements and specifications; conceptual design development; detailed design, analysis and modeling; and breadboard testing.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.