The Challenge
Background:
The future machines that humanity will build in space may be bigger than any machines on Earth, but at the same time, rockets are only so big. As we start to have bigger spacecraft and bigger missions, the ability to assemble components from multiple launches in space is a plus. In other words, structures must be put together from multiple launches like putting together building blocks in space.
The current approach to joining components in many space assembly applications involves highly capable robotic arms, with unique end effectors. However, as we look at the broad range of potential future missions, from large structures built in space to simpler missions like CubeSats, simpler solutions for in-space assembly mechanisms would be helpful. Your challenge is to design a mechanism to facilitate in-space assembly and docking.
Potential Considerations:
● This is a concept design/mechanism architecture challenge rather than a software challenge. How could you help build the shipyards and space hotels of tomorrow?
● What kind of mechanism will you design? Can your design roughly align and then precisely position two components relative to each other in space? Can it pull two components together, and lock them on contact? Is it possible to release the two components once connected, and if so, how? Or will your mechanism assist in-space assembly in a completely different way? These are not requirements for this challenge, but rather ideas to get you started.
For data and resources related to this challenge, refer to the Resources tab at the top of the page.
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