Maintenance satellite modular docking mechanism design for on orbit servicing to nanosatellites

Abstract

Purpose

As a result of space debris problem, it is necessary to deorbit uncontrollable satellites or repair them to extend mission duration to avoid sending a new satellite. The purpose of this paper is to develop a docking mechanism that can be easily customized for different missions, providing on-orbit servicing for nanosatellites.

Design/methodology/approach

This research outlines a system and mechanism design for the docking phase of on-orbit servicing to nanosatellites. The umbrella-inspired mechanism is designed with utmost simplicity to minimize the likelihood of failure. CAD, structural analyse and mechanism analyse tools are used for designing and analysing the system. To ensure that the design attains the desired durability, numerous iterations are conducted. A three-dimensional (3D)-printed prototype is generated for mechanism verification in laboratory conditions.

Findings

The aimed mechanism is generated successfully. A 3D-printed prototype is assembled to verify the mechanism. Also, an equation for customis the presented design is generated for different mission requirements in the future.

Practical implications

The usage of the proposed design can help increase the lifespan of satellites.

Originality/value

The primary innovation in this study is the development of a docking mechanism featuring a movable platform to provide servicing for nanosatellites in orbit. The mechanism presented can be displaced without initiating the unfolding process. This provides a customizable coupling distance for different mission requirements. Therefore, the presented mechanism can serve both different types of satellites and more than one satellite on-orbit with a cost-effective design. Also, the presented design can be easily customized to enable adaptation for the different mission requirements in the future.

Citation

Toklu, M. (2024), "Maintenance satellite modular docking mechanism design for on orbit servicing to nanosatellites", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 96 No. 9, pp. 1247-1258. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-10-2023-0272