GAMA - Space Apps Challenge

GAMA| 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.

Hoobastank GAMA-35

Summary

In this project,we aimed to design the connection mechanism between the deployable Truss contained in the Space Telescope.This mechanism,which we have designed, provides integration between the deployable truss to which the primary mirror is connected.The connection between this mechanism and deployable Truss is made easier.Firstly, the hexagonal deployable Truss in the system is carried through a robotic arm.These carried Truss are connected to each other by the lock system in the mechanism.This lock system works one way and can be opened manually.In this way, the connection between the deployable Truss in the system is quite strong.

How We Addressed This Challenge

In this project, we designed the connection mechanism between deployable trusses.

With this mechanism, we aim to prevent the alignment problem experienced in the mechanism (observed in 0:24 seconds at reference 1) in the connection apparatus used previously.

We think that the possibility of a connection problem between trusses should be eliminated due to this alignment problem.We think that the connection process can be made more reliable with the mechanism we have designed.Firstly, the robot arm located in the system is approached to the truss to be connected in the main truss.Then, the connection link in the other truss is placed in the lockable apparatus shown in figure in the mechanism.Approaching the main truss, the second truss has a compressible mechanism in its link.This compressibility is provided by the springs contained in the rips.In this mechanism, the rips coming to the entrance part of the conical shape and in the fully open position are closed as the link approaches the exit of the conical shape.This closure takes place by the compression of the springs.After the link reaches the exit of the conical shape, the rips are opened because there is no compression force.In this way, the mechanism is locked.After the two attachments in the truss are locked, the robot arm goes back to get a new deployable truss.

How We Developed This Project

The main reason we chose this challenge is that the vast majority of the members on the team are studying mechanical engineering.We decided to compete in this field because designing a mechanical system attracted our attention more.In order to develop this project, we first studied the connection mechanisms that NASA used in the Space Telescope.We have made our own design with similar working principle in these mechanisms.We used Solidworks, a 3-D drawing program, to make this design.The biggest problem with the team was the inability to work because of the pandemic.The communication tools used to communicate have caused some problems due to the internet.What we think we have successfully completed in the team is that thanks to the research we have done throughout the competition, we have learned a lot about space.

How We Used Space Agency Data in This Project

We made a lot of use of the space agency's data during the competition. This data was generally documents and videos on the space agency's website. According to the information contained in these data, we have directed our design.