Let's Connect

For bigger spacecraft capable of executing bigger missions, some of the assembly may be done in space. Your challenge is to design a simple approach that enables components to be assembled in space.

simplest solution

Summary

our idea is a mechanism created using very simple electromagnets. When the spacecraft get close enough to each other, the magnets work and clamp together. The points where the magnets will be attached will consist of the materials the magnets adhere to. and magnets will only be found in one vehicle. The reason we use electromagnets is to be able to turn off the magnets whenever we want, it's more reliable.Of course, we cannot make the whole tool from a material to which the magnet sticks, because it can adhere incorrectly, so the places other than the places where the magnets will stick will be covered with materials that are not affected by the magnetic field.

How We Addressed This Challenge

We improved the interconnection of the two spacecraft. We found a very simple solution, we use electromagnets in our solution because we think the simplest example of connecting something together is magnets and using them in a spacecraft is the simplest method in our opinion. This issue is very important for us, but it should be solved in a simple way.

As for how it works, four electromagnets in a single vehicle stick to points made of magnetic field-affected materials (iron, etc.) where the magnets will stick to the other spacecraft when the two spacecraft are close enough to each other, and the vehicles connect together. The reason the magnets are in a single vehicle is that if both are magnets, it is risky to attract each other, our aim is to attract one to the other. In order to prevent false connections, both tools are covered with a material that is not affected by magnetic field except where magnets are adhered and where magnets are located. The electric current is very precisely regulated and a slow, controlled coupling occurs. After the connection is made, they are tightly mounted to each other and the magnet is closed. (for energy saving) or remain open no assembly required.


How We Developed This Project


The reason we chose this project was that it was a design problem. We had very creative ideas to develop this project, but as a team, we chose the simplest way. this competition was the first of our team.

How We Used Space Agency Data in This Project

We used the resources in the category section. Sources of nasa have provided us with information about past practices to improve our project.


Project Demo

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/17EY07T1M7S86nMXmSNVxvAN9KoCMObGegeH3c0gtH2A/edit?usp=sharing

Judging
This project was submitted for consideration during the Space Apps Judging process.