All 2015 Content
Abstract
Researchers at the United States Naval Academy are developing an Autonomous Mobile On-orbit Diagnostic System (AMODS) which utilizes CubeSats to perform on-orbit inspections on conventional spacecraft. AMODS comprises a multiple CubeSat arrangement wherein one self-propelled transport CubeSat (BRICSat) will deliver one of several “repair” CubeSats (RSats) with manipulable arms to spacecraft for the purpose of providing diagnostic, maintenance and repair services. AMODS will be validated in three phases. Phase One commenced in May 2015 with the launch of the transport module (BRICSat-P) where the effectiveness of microcathode thrusters to provide appropriate ΔV has been evaluated. Phase Two, planned for 2017, involves a launch of the prototype repair unit, RSat, to test the effectiveness of the manipulable arms. Phase Three will combine the launch of the propulsion module, BRICSat and three temporarily linked repair modules, RSat-1,2,3. This paper provides an overview of the entire mission. It discusses the design of the BRICSat transfer vehicle, its required capabilities and the microcathode development results. It presents an analysis of RSat, its visual, assessment and repair proficiencies, the design strategy behind the manipulators’ end-effectors and requirements for actuations in a space environment. Methods of validating and integrating systems on-orbit are also discussed.
AMODS: Autonomous Mobile On-orbit Diagnostic System
Researchers at the United States Naval Academy are developing an Autonomous Mobile On-orbit Diagnostic System (AMODS) which utilizes CubeSats to perform on-orbit inspections on conventional spacecraft. AMODS comprises a multiple CubeSat arrangement wherein one self-propelled transport CubeSat (BRICSat) will deliver one of several “repair” CubeSats (RSats) with manipulable arms to spacecraft for the purpose of providing diagnostic, maintenance and repair services. AMODS will be validated in three phases. Phase One commenced in May 2015 with the launch of the transport module (BRICSat-P) where the effectiveness of microcathode thrusters to provide appropriate ΔV has been evaluated. Phase Two, planned for 2017, involves a launch of the prototype repair unit, RSat, to test the effectiveness of the manipulable arms. Phase Three will combine the launch of the propulsion module, BRICSat and three temporarily linked repair modules, RSat-1,2,3. This paper provides an overview of the entire mission. It discusses the design of the BRICSat transfer vehicle, its required capabilities and the microcathode development results. It presents an analysis of RSat, its visual, assessment and repair proficiencies, the design strategy behind the manipulators’ end-effectors and requirements for actuations in a space environment. Methods of validating and integrating systems on-orbit are also discussed.
