Characterization of a new positioning sensor for space capture

Caon, Alex; Branz, Francesco; Francesconi, Alessandro

doi:10.1109/metroaerospace51421.2021.9511704

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…The sensor employs a matrix of 5x5 phototransistors on DOCKS-A and an infrared LED on DOCKS-B. Depending on the relative position, the LED activates different pattern of phototransistors [4]. The ToF sensors are affected by a noise of approximately 4 mm at distances below 30 mm, causing an uncertainty on the measure of the relative angles of more than 5 deg.…”

Section: Sensor Suite and Estimation Performancesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Development of a smart docking system for small satellites

Caon

2023

Materials Research Proceedings

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Abstract. DOCKS is a smart docking system for space vehicles developed by the Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, within the framework of the Space Rider Observer Cube (SROC) mission. The design and development of SROC is being conducted by a consortium of Italian entities under contract with the European Space Agency (ESA). The SROC mission is designed to be a payload on the ESA Space Rider (SR) spaceship. The main objective of the mission is to demonstrate the critical capabilities and technologies required to execute a rendezvous and docking mission in a safety-sensitive context. The space system is composed by a nanosatellite (approximately 12U CubeSat) and a deployment/retrieval mechanism mounted inside the payload bay of SR. During the mission, SROC will be released by SR, will perform inspection manoeuvres on SR and, at the end of the mission, will dock back inside the bay of SR, before re-entering Earth with the mothership. The docking functionality is provided by DOCKS. DOCKS is suitable for use onboard micro- and nanosatellites and merges a classical probe drogue configuration with a gripper–like design, to manage the connection between the parts. The system is equipped with a suite of sensors to estimate the relative pose of the target and with a dedicated computer, making it a smart standalone system. A laboratory prototype has been assembled and functionally tested, aiming at the validation of the capability to passively manage misalignments during the docking manoeuvre.

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Section: Sensor Suite and Estimation Performancesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Development of a smart docking system for small satellites

Caon

2023

Materials Research Proceedings

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“…The relative measure is computed based on the number of active phototransistors (second picture of Fig. 2) [6]. Measurement errors: 3.5 mm along the y and z axes.…”

Section: Smart Capture Kit (Smack)mentioning

confidence: 99%

AUTOMA project: technologies for autonomous in orbit assembly operations

Caon

2023

Materials Research Proceedings

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Abstract. The possibility of manipulating objects in space is at the basis of the In-Orbit Servicing missions with the purpose to extend or improve the life of existing satellites. This can be obtained by equipping a target satellite with additional modules capable of providing additional basic functions, like power, thrust or communication. One of the most promising technologies to accomplish to these purposes is presented by space robots (satellites with one or more robotic manipulators) equipped with dedicated tool. The manipulators have the dual purposes to capture the additional module and to manipulate and attach it to the target satellite. In order to advance in IOS technologies, the Department of Industrial Engineer has funded the AUTOMA (AUtonomous Technologies for Orbital servicing and Modular Assembly) project . The project aims to (1) upgrade an autonomous capture tool, (2) develop the additional module (EAU), and (3) execute tests in relevant laboratory scenarios. The autonomous tool is represented by SMACK (SMArt Capture Kit). SMACK is a capture system equipped with (1) different types of sensors to measure the relative pose during the entire approach for the capture and for the assembly; (2) a set of actuators to capture the module and keep a rigid connection during the manipulation; (3) a computer to execute locally the required software like guidance and navigation algorithms. The external module (Elementary Assembly Unit, EAU) is equipped with three features to be captured and manipulated by SMACK and a docking system to allow the assembly on the target structure. In order to test the assembly phase, SMACK has been mounted on the end-effector of a 6 degrees of freedom robotic arm in laboratory environment, while the target has been fixed on a frame. These tests proved the ability of SMACK to manage assembly tasks such as the control of a robotic arm with sufficient accuracy.

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Kinematic tests on a docking mechanism for microsatellites

et al. 2023

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DOCKS is a smart docking system developed within the framework of the Space Rider Observer Cube mission (SROC) but suitable for use in more general scenarios. This paper presents the mechanical design of the system and the kinematic tests performed on it. The system merges a classical probe drogue configuration with a gripper-like design, to manage the connection between the parts, and it is equipped with a suite of sensors to estimate the relative pose of the target. The system is also equipped with a dedicated computer, making it a smart standalone system. A series of kinematic tests have been conducted to validate the capability of the system to passively manage misalignment during the docking manoeuvre. The final tests are presented to assess the maximum load that the system could handle, even when inactive.

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Characterization of a new positioning sensor for space capture

Cited by 5 publications

References 8 publications

Development of a smart docking system for small satellites

Development of a smart docking system for small satellites

AUTOMA project: technologies for autonomous in orbit assembly operations

Kinematic tests on a docking mechanism for microsatellites

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