Abstract
Space grippers are the key devices for accomplishing space non-cooperative target capture, which has a great significance for satellite services and space debris removal. This article proposes a novel mechanical gripper device for the capture of aluminum honeycomb panels of non-cooperative satellites. The gripper was modeled and assembled in the three-dimensional modeling platform UGNX. The model was imported into the simulation software ADAMS. ADAMS is capable of analyzing the kinematic feasibility of the gripper model. Collision and penetrating power analysis of the mechanical claws into an aluminum honeycomb plate were carried out in LS-DYNA. Through non-vertical piercing experiment, the maximum approaching angle tolerance is 10°. The established rigid connection can withstand a destructive force greater than 1000 N. A prototype of the mechanical gripper is built. A ground test was carried out with this prototype, in which a test-platform simulated the space microgravity environment. The results certified that the prototype could reach the target at a relative speed of 0.5 m/s and then quickly complete the grabbing motion and establish a rigid connection. The experiment shows that this mechanical gripper can accomplish the task of repeatedly capturing the surface of non-cooperative space satellites.
Highlights
As early as the 20th century, the importance of space target capture was noticed by the national organization for servicing satellites in orbit, clearing space debris and capturing other non-cooperative targets.[1,2] Non-cooperative target capture technology is of great significance for space security
The study proposes a new mechanical gripper for a noncooperative space target-capturing device. This gripper is different from previous studies in the way that it can repeatedly capture and release the noncooperative space target
The gripper was imported into ADAMS for kinematic simulation
Summary
As early as the 20th century, the importance of space target capture was noticed by the national organization for servicing satellites in orbit, clearing space debris and capturing other non-cooperative targets.[1,2] Non-cooperative target capture technology is of great significance for space security. The research proposes a new mechanical gripper that can be operated independently for the capture of aluminum honeycomb panels of space non-cooperative satellites. The mechanical gripper can achieve target capture by grabbing the aluminum honeycomb plate of a satellite’s surface to set up a rigid connection.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
