Area 51| 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.

A Connection in Space

Summary

Our project is an attachment that can be added to spacecrafts. It will connect them in a secure, airtight way. It is meant to be used when trying to combine two unscrewed spacecrafts while in orbit. We chose to use materials such as cobalt-base alloy, neodymium, and aluminum.

How We Addressed This Challenge

The challenge was to create a simpler alternative to link two spacecrafts, and that was what we hoped to accomplish. We also thought trying this project would give us more experience in terms of design and using different online tools. Our mechanism works using magnetism and a locking mechanism. Our goal was to create a way for them to connect that was entirely autonomous, but also not unnecessarily complex. This is important as it would allow for multiple parts of a spacecraft to connect and assemble in space without human interaction.

How We Developed This Project

We both had an interest in design and problem solving which is why we decided to do the Let's Connect challenge. We developed the design using OnShape, which was a tool we had never used before. Due to this, as we were trying to design our model, we had a few technical issues with the software. We also had some problems trying to find materials that would be durable enough to survive a launch to space. Because of the problems listed, we ended up making adjustments to our initial design. We are very proud that we learned how to use the new software within the time constraints while coming up with a solution to the challenge. We enjoyed being given the task to design a model which is a something we usually don’t get the opportunities to do, We also had pretty effective time management skills.

How We Used Space Agency Data in This Project

Our design was inspired by ZipNuts, we tried to make a mechanism that was almost a larger version of it since the ZipNuts were very simple and easy to use in space. As we continued the design, we did end up adjusting it a bit. We also looked at drawings and blueprints of the ISS (and other spacecrafts) to get a better idea of what is commonly used as materials and tried to incorporate some of that into our project. We also looked at a page on the ESA site to give us some background and basic information about space flight.

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