Scalable Self-Assembling Spacecraft / Satellite Structure System (S6)

Scalable in-space assembly of large structures is critical to space exploration, but current technologies are slow. Past developments, including EVA based systems and humanoid robonauts, have been shown to lack scalability with current EVA rates and SOA humanoid robotics. This project is to develop a simplified scalable robotic structure assembly demonstration. Recent research has shown that reversibly assembled periodic lattices can exhibit desirable specific mechanical properties, indicating their suitability for aerospace applications. The goals of this project include development, prototyping, and demonstration of a functioning bench-top automated structure assembly system that packs into a small volume. The final structure can be automatically reconfigured to a large variety of shapes. More »