Smart docking surface for space serviceable nano and micro satellites
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
InventorsMichael Stallard, Michael Obal, Alok Das
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Abstract
A smart docking surface consisting of closely spaced cantilevered sensor/actuator structures capable of precisely repositioning an object having a ferro-magnetic surface in contact with the smart docking surface. It is designed for use in a micro gravity environment for the final docking sequence of two small (<100 kg) satellites. Its purpose is to reduce the complexity of the docking process where a precise mating is required.
Claims5
In a micro gravity environment, a smart docking surface apparatus forming a flat surface of a first three-dimensional object for the precise manipulation of a second three-dimensional object having a ferro-magnetic surface, said smart docking surface apparatus comprising:
- a plurality of identical cantilevered sensor/actuator beam elements attached to said first surface in a herringbone pattern with mutually perpendicular X and Y axes;
- means for attaching to and detaching from said second object by said smart docking surface apparatus;
- means for sensing the location of said second object on said smart docking surface apparatus once said second object is in contact with the smart docking surface apparatus;
- means for determining the correct sequence of element movements required to reposition said second object to a desired position on said smart docking surface apparatus;
- and
- means for actuating said beam elements in said predetermined sequence to reposition said second object.
A method to facilitate the final docking sequence of a first receiving spacecraft (RSC) having a smart docking surface apparatus forming a flat surface on one side of said RSC and a second servicing spacecraft (SSC) having a ferro-magnetic docking surface once said ferro-magnetic docking surface of the SSC has made contact with said smart docking surface apparatus, composed of cantilevered sensor/actuator beam elements, of the RSC, the method comprising:
- sensing the location of the SSC on the smart docking surface using eddy current sensors;
- calculating the required sequence of sensor/actuator beam element movements to correctly position the SSC on the smart docking surface;
- and
- activating said sensor/actuator beam elements to move and align the SSC to the desired location.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.