Aethereal Tech| 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.

ELECTROMAGNETIC DOCKING MECHANISM

Summary

Electromagnetic Docking System utilizes the property of electromagnets to achieve docking. We at Aethereal Tech have formulated a simpler solution to the complex problems related to docking mechanisms, especially for future inter-planetary missions and colonies. This project demonstrates the ease with which we can dock/berth two modules by providing an alternative to the International Docking System in general. This mechanism uses Ultra Low Impact technology. It is strictly androgynous, keeping in mind the convenience of such systems. This mechanism can be utilized to build the space hotels and space stations of tomorrow.

How We Addressed This Challenge

The EDS was developed to provide a force of around 40mN at 40 cm coil-to-coil distance. It hardly adds up to 20% of the total weight of the module. The number of windings, coil radius and other current specifications depend on the type of mission or structure and can be calculated using the Sequential Least Squares Programming constrained to meet the minimization of weight and power consumption. The Active Docking module consists of a Seal Ring, to avoid leakage of breathable air after opening of hatch. It also consists of 12 pairs of electrically controlled autonomous latches to ensure a safe and perfect docking. The Latch Arm fixes itself into the Latch Capture Space on the Passive Docking Module, and compresses the seal ring, made of silicone preferably, to provide a proper seal. Alignment procedures are carried out autonomously by the on-board Attitude Determination and Control System.

For undocking, currents are flown in opposite directions in both the coils to allow repulsion, after unlocking the latches autonomously.

The electromagnetic attraction and repulsion allow a propellant free docking and undocking procedure. Electromagnetism provides a wider capture range for the Passive Docking Module, that clearly gives it a upper hand over the current docking mechanisms. It is cost-friendly since its propellant free and uses lesser components than the current docking mechanisms. However, it has a higher power consumption than other mechanisms, which can be tackled by inventing more efficient batteries that can boost the production of electricity through solar energy and meet the needs of this mechanism.

Electromagnetic Docking can significantly influence in-space assembly of larger telescopes.

Aethereal Tech hopes to achieve or at least help to realize this advancement in space tech that can help us achieve our dream of becoming a multiplanetary species.

How We Developed This Project

Our team, Aethereal Tech, consists of designers and technophiles. When I stumbled across this idea Let's Connect, I suggested it to my team and they approved of it, since we lacked coders and thus weren't eligible for solving coding problems, though it wasn't the reason why we chose this. We share a common admiration towards space tech and that was the driving force for us to sit down and create. After reading several research papers on Electromagnetic Docking, we realized that the idea is well established for smaller missions.

In order to implement this to bigger structures, we carefully studied the fundamentals surrounding this technology over the course of a few weeks, before the hackathon. We learned a great deal about the various onboard systems like Continuous Differential GPS and the different instruments involved in the Attitude Determination and Control System and their uses in everyday space operations.

We barely started with our Fresher classes before the hackathon. Equipped only with high school science, we decided to make the best of the situation and started interpreting online resources. This is how we materialized our project. It is justified to say that we learned a lot throughout these few weeks, and we had a great time collaborating with each other, constructing upon the ideas of 6 creative brains.

How We Used Space Agency Data in This Project

We used the agencies' website and other resources to understand their docking mechanisms. It is crucial to understand the existing technologies in order to formulate the improvements that can be implemented. We browsed through the resources provided to us on the NASA Space Apps Challenge website and learned about in-space assembly. EDS helps in the in-space assembly of smaller components of, say a higher aperture space telescope. Overall, the websites of NASA and ESA helped to gain additional knowledge about their docking mechanisms and their visions for the future of docking and rendezvous technology.

Project Demo
Data & Resources
Judging
This project was submitted for consideration during the Space Apps Judging process.