AEROSPAZZINI - Space Apps Challenge

AEROSPAZZINI| Let's Connect

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.

S.P.A.I.D.E.R.

Summary

An actual research field which is still in development is related to procedures and mechanisms to allow assembly & docking of spacecrafts directly in space. In particular we focused our attention on CubeSats, which represents the future of space research. To simplify their development is necessary to find an innovative way to dock & assembly: SPAIDER. Our technology is based on a simple mechanical deployment of arms which reach a sensed near objective, and grab it mechanically and magnetically, then pull it towards it for the completion of the assembly.

How We Addressed This Challenge

We developed a system to assembly CubeSats directly in space: Spider Proximity Antenna Interaction Docking by Extending Reinforcement (S.P.A.I.D.E.R.);
It's important to allow simple connections of different CubeSats to achieve new frontiers of scientific researches in space;
Our procedure consists in 2 moments principally:

SOFT DOCKING: laser position sensing with orbital markers required by the CUBE for the relative visual navigation; extending antenna from the edges, foldable and telescopic to reach the objective; magnetic coupling to assure a better connection between the objective and the antennas; mechanical grabbing thanks to the final foldable finger part of the antenna;
HARD DOCKING: centered pulling that ensures the continuous correct relative position until we are ready to complete assembly; final sphere-mechanical assembly done by a system of a PIN/SPHERE which embodies a proximity sensor to correctly command the closure of the mech door.

With this solution we hope to provide a system which is SIMPLIER, REUSABLE, RELIABLE, and has a vast range of possible future developments: for example allowing S/Cs refueling in space, space debris removal by adding a net to the arms system, double usage of arms as antennas for telecommunication or to control the stability and the attitude of the structure.

How We Developed This Project

The idea conception is quite funny: a member of the team saw a spider walking outside his window while he was reading a scientific article about how Space Docking works. So he shared the idea with the rest of us and we decided to develop a spider-way of docking for S/Cs.

To correctly understand how to bring this idea to a real project we studied how docking works for general S/Cs and then we focused our attention on CubeSats: how they work, what is their mission, what are their future capabilities. So, starting with only some sketches we found out what suited better as a mechanism and connection for CubeSats docking & assembly. The biggest problem was to work on realizing a visual way to demonstrate the systems we had in mind.