Advancements in design of an autonomous satellite docking system

Anthony B. Hays; Peter Tchoryk Jr.; Jane C. Pavlich; Greg A. Ritter; Gregory J. Wassick

doi:10.1117/12.537767

30 August 2004 Advancements in design of an autonomous satellite docking system

Anthony B. Hays, Peter Tchoryk Jr., Jane C. Pavlich, Greg A. Ritter, Gregory J. Wassick

Proceedings Volume 5419, Spacecraft Platforms and Infrastructure; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.537767
Event: Defense and Security, 2004, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

The past five years has witnessed a significant increase in the attention given to on-orbit satellite docking and servicing. Recent world events have proven how we have come to rely on our space assets, especially during times of crisis. It has become abundantly clear that the ability to autonomously rendezvous, dock, inspect and service both military and civilian assets is no longer a nicety, but a necessity. Reconnaissance and communications satellites, even the space shuttle and International Space Station, could benefit from this capability. Michigan Aerospace Corporation, with funding from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), has been refining a compact, light, compliant soft-docking system. Earlier prototypes have been tested on the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) flat-floor as well as on the Johnson Space Flight Center (JSC) KC-135 micro-gravity aircraft. Over the past year, refinements have been made to the mechanism based on the lessons learned from these tests. This paper discusses the optimal design that has resulted.

Citation Download Citation

Anthony B. Hays, Peter Tchoryk Jr., Jane C. Pavlich, Greg A. Ritter, and Gregory J. Wassick "Advancements in design of an autonomous satellite docking system", Proc. SPIE 5419, Spacecraft Platforms and Infrastructure, (30 August 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.537767

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available