On-Orbit Servicing Architectures for Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Constellations
Abstract
This project will investigate an innovative system concept for servicing LEO spacecraft. The proposed system incorporates several unique aspects that make it particularly desirable. Specifically, the use of large, actuated, flexile surfaces for propellantless orbit and control and the use of electroadhesive (EA) docking to enable surface coupling without placing requirements on the target spacecraft. The proposed concept addresses the major issues with LEO smallsat servicing through unique, innovative design. The economic challenges are addressed by leveraging technologies from terrestrial soft-robotics that provided extraordinary and efficient performance. Additionally, the specific design will be capable of fuel-free orbit and attitude control through the use of the actuated soft surfaces that captures solar radiation pressure (SRP) and/or drag to modify the vehicle dynamics, thus removing a subsystem that leads to high costs, complexity, and limited lifetimes. There are many challenges with such an innovative new design for space applications. The primary challenges are dealing with flexible/soft materials in space, maturing the design of the terrestrial robotic technologies for space, and determining if the orbit and attitude control authority is capable enough to fulfill needs for LEO smallsat servicing. As such, the proposed research will focus on demonstrating feasibility of the proposed system for specific servicing tasks to include: de-orbiting, de-tumbling, orbit modification, and payload delivery. If proven feasible, the proposed concept has the capability to transform LEO space operations. While proliferated LEO concepts will likely take place regardless of servicing capabilities, the possibility of making these systems even more economical, robust, and expandable promises to provide the US with significant new capabilities in the space domain.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 14, 2022
- Source ID
- HR00112010017
Entities
People
- Jay McMahon
Organizations
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
- Regents of the University of Colorado