In-Space Assembly Operations

In the last two decades, robotized On-Orbit Servicing (OOS) missions are increasingly gaining importance. OOS addresses the maintenance of satellites in orbit, including inspection, repairing, refueling and assembly. On-orbit robotic assembly can potentially reduce costs and allow the construction of large structures directly in space. This chapter provides an overview of existing or emerging robotic technologies for space-born assembly, including missions that use robotics arms, and development of standard interconnects that combine mechanical latching with electronic and power connectivity. Given the high delays in communication and the repetitive and demanding tasks required, teleoperating a robotic assembly system from Earth is not straightforward. Therefore, the robotic assembly system should behave autonomously. This kind of autonomous assembly system has been explored for ground applications, as illustrated with an example developed at the Institute of Robotics and MechatronicMechatronics in the German Aerospace Center—DLR.