Space Phorce| Let's Connect

Awards & Nominations

Space Phorce has received the following awards and nominations. Way to go!

Global Nominee

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.

Smart Cord for Dynamically Connecting Satellites

Summary

Connecting power and data between satellites through a semi-rigid system. It contains a structural cord coil, a dynamic docking cord with an auto-locking receiver.

How We Addressed This Challenge

This system was developed to physically link satellite's data and power together. This would facilitate in the assembly of a network of satellites. We achieved this through the use of a strong, but stiff cord that will travel a short distance, adjust, and latch to the next satellite. It makes use of air thrusters, radar, and an IR sensor to achieve this goal. This will facilitate large networks of smaller satellites to efficiently connect together incorporating each others power and data to achieve the goals of a much larger satellite.

How We Developed This Project

The topic was chosen based off the majority of the team's skill set, which was more mechanical engineering. We researched past and present approaches to assembling in space and looked for areas that could be improved. Our approach was to make a simplified design for docking with data and power transfer. These designs were rough sketched on whiteboards and developed further on SolidWorks where details were tweaked until an appealing model was constructed. A couple of these models were also 3D printed at Tampa Hackerspace for further visualization and understanding. A big issue we initially had was overdeveloping a complex solution and we repeatedly had to brainstorm to get back on topic and focus on the challenge. One achievement our team had was having two of our designs 3D printed in time for our local afternoon presentation.

How We Used Space Agency Data in This Project

We used NExIS resources to look at past designs and configurations for in space assembly such as OSAM-1 and its use of SPIDER. Then we planned on improving satellite docking and a possible implementation of modular satellite systems that could work together as a system. An example would be launching smaller satellites of power, communication, and a telescope to connect together in space to be a powerful space telescope.

Project Demo
Project Code
Data & Resources

https://nexis.gsfc.nasa.gov/OSAM-1.html

https://nexis.gsfc.nasa.gov/

https://asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/open-data/access-the-data.asp

Tags
#hardware, #satellite, #docking, #assembly, #connect, #radar, #power-transfer, #data-transfer, #IR-sensor, #cad, #3D-printing, #structural
Judging
This project was submitted for consideration during the Space Apps Judging process.