Session
Session VI: Advanced Technology 3-Enterprise
Location
Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Abstract
In-space assembly and manufacturing (ISAM) is an enabling capability for future space missions, and one where small satellites can play an essential role. Of the many technologies needed for ISAM, the Sardonyx mission will demonstrate two: capture of noncooperative resident space objects and close-proximity, agile maneuvering. Sardonyx is a partnership between Saint Louis University, Cambrian Works and Bennett Research Technologies.
The baseline design consists of a single 12U-scale spacecraft carrying multiple deployable Objectives. Each Objective will expand to at least a meter in diameter and be gently released. The Sardonyx spacecraft will detect the target, maneuver to within a few millimeters and capture the target using a novel electrostatic adhesion technology. Through repeated experimentation across a range of closing velocities, angles and materials, the performance of the maneuvering system and adhesion system will be characterized.
This paper outlines the Sardonyx mission, including the concept of operations, mission architecture and key technologies. Particular emphasis is placed on the mission design process, and how the Saint Louis University team intentionally structured the mission objectives to match the capabilities and constraints of a university student-led program. Key technologies include close-range sensing, cold-gas thrusters, navigation algorithms, inflation and release and force measurement. Prototype development and ground testing will be highlighted, culminating in a schedule and plan for launch readiness in 2028.
Document Type
Event
Sardonyx: A Building Block Towards In-Space Assembly
Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
In-space assembly and manufacturing (ISAM) is an enabling capability for future space missions, and one where small satellites can play an essential role. Of the many technologies needed for ISAM, the Sardonyx mission will demonstrate two: capture of noncooperative resident space objects and close-proximity, agile maneuvering. Sardonyx is a partnership between Saint Louis University, Cambrian Works and Bennett Research Technologies.
The baseline design consists of a single 12U-scale spacecraft carrying multiple deployable Objectives. Each Objective will expand to at least a meter in diameter and be gently released. The Sardonyx spacecraft will detect the target, maneuver to within a few millimeters and capture the target using a novel electrostatic adhesion technology. Through repeated experimentation across a range of closing velocities, angles and materials, the performance of the maneuvering system and adhesion system will be characterized.
This paper outlines the Sardonyx mission, including the concept of operations, mission architecture and key technologies. Particular emphasis is placed on the mission design process, and how the Saint Louis University team intentionally structured the mission objectives to match the capabilities and constraints of a university student-led program. Key technologies include close-range sensing, cold-gas thrusters, navigation algorithms, inflation and release and force measurement. Prototype development and ground testing will be highlighted, culminating in a schedule and plan for launch readiness in 2028.
