Center Innovation Fund: ARC CIF
Scalable Self-Assembling Spacecraft / Satellite Structure System (S6)
Project Description
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.
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Anticipated Benefits
The work can broadly benefit NASA Space Reliance and \xd2mass-less\xd3 exploration efforts, and has potential to lead to very large scale construction projects. The work can benefit existing efforts in other agencies, on infrastructure supply chain technology, as well as revolutionary increases in infrastructure supply chain efficiency, and rapid infrastructure response (i.e. disaster response) technology.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Ames Research Center
(ARC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Moffett Field, California |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Supporting Organization | Academia | Cambridge, Massachusetts |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
California
-
Massachusetts
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