SIROM electronics design: Current state and future developments

Abstract

On-orbit Servicing in the form of space-manufacturing, refuelling, assembly and robotic manipulation are deemed to become a fundamental part of the space market in the short-to-middle term. One of the key aspects to reach extensive use of OOS operations is having a standardized, reliable, and cost-effective interface that embeds as much functionality as possible to simplify operations. In this context, SENER Aeroespacial has developed SIROM (Standard Interface for Robotic Manipulation), which provides mechanical coupling, electric interface, thermal and data transfer in a single compact solution.In this paper, the current design for SIROM is presented, with a focus on the electronics subsystem and the integration of the electromechanical design. A functional breakdown of the electronic boards is presented after a review of the current state of the art. For the validation, a TRL6 Test Campaign that was successfully passed in early 2021, including vibration, temperature, vacuum and life tests. Its results are presented here, along with the details of the functional validation on the context of the EROSS project in May/June 2021. To conclude the paper, on-going projects involving the SIROM interface are reviewed, finishing with future lines of development on the SIROM roadmap.