Cover apparatus and cover system for protecting vulnerable components in a space environment

An apparatus for protecting a payload-side connector on a payload from elements in a space environment when not mating to a robot-side connector on a robotic device according to a robotic mating procedure, the apparatus comprising:

• a cover for covering the payload-side connector, wherein the cover revolves about a pivot point and is biased in a closed position;
• wherein the cover opens to expose the payload-side connector by rotating about the pivot point in a first direction when a linear actuation force is applied on an actuation tab above and attached to the cover, the rotation of the cover loading torque in the torsion spring;
• wherein the cover closes passively by rotating about the pivot point in a direction opposite the first direction using the torque loaded in the torsion spring when the linear actuation force on the actuation tab is removed.

An apparatus for protecting a vulnerable component in a zero gravity or microgravity space environment when not being used, the apparatus comprising:

• a cover that (i) opens by rotating about a pivot point when a linear actuation force is applied to a tab above the cover, the linear force being sufficient to load a spring mechanism that biases the cover closed;
• and (ii) closes passively about the pivot point using energy released from the spring mechanism as the linear actuation force on the tab is removed.