Microgravity tests in preparation of a Tethered Electromagnetic Docking space demonstration

Paper number

IAC-17,A2,3,5,x37733

Author

Dr. Lorenzo Olivieri, CISAS – “G. Colombo” Center of Studies and Activities for Space, University of Padova, Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Andrea Antonello, CISAS – “G. Colombo” Center of Studies and Activities for Space, University of Padova, Italy

Coauthor

Ms. Laura Bettiol, CISAS – “G. Colombo” Center of Studies and Activities for Space, University of Padova, Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Francesco Branz, CISAS – “G. Colombo” Center of Studies and Activities for Space, University of Padova, Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Matteo Duzzi, CISAS – “G. Colombo” Center of Studies and Activities for Space, University of Padova, Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Francesco Feltrin, CISAS – “G. Colombo” Center of Studies and Activities for Space, University of Padova, Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Gilberto Grassi, University of Padova, Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Riccardo Mantellato, Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Francesco Sansone, University of Padova - DII, Italy

Coauthor

Prof. Alessandro Francesconi, University of Padova - DII/CISAS, Italy

Year

2017

Abstract

A group of students and researchers of the University of Padova is recently developing some technologies to implement a Tethered Electromagnetic Docking (TED) experiment, a novel system for close rendezvous and mating manoeuvres between two spacecraft, consisting in a small tethered probe ejected by the chaser and magnetically guided by a receiving electromagnet mounted on the target. Because of the generated magnetic field, automatic self-alignment and mating are possible; then, as the tether is rewinded, the chaser is able to dock with the target. This concept allows to simplify standard docking procedures, thanks to the reduction of proximity navigation and guidance requirements, as well as consequent fuel reduction. Other interesting applications are expected, from active debris removal to space tugging; in particular, the utilization of the tethered connection for detumbling operations is considered.\\
The realization of a space demonstrator requires a preliminary verification of the critical technologies employed in TED, in particular the magnetic guidance and the probe deploy and retrieve; in the framework of ESA “Drop your Thesis!” 2014 and 2016 campaigns the experiments FELDs (Flexible Electromagnetic Leash Docking system) and STAR (System for Tether Automatic Retrieval) focused on the test of such critical elements in the relevant microgravity environment of ZARM Drop Tower in Bremen. In particular, FELDs consisted in a simplified model of TED with a magnetic target interface, a passive tethered probe and its launch system: the experiment allowed to assess the passive self-alignment of the probe with respect to the target and to study the effect of friction between the tether and the release system. Similarly, STAR investigated the tether actively controlled deployment and retrieval, with the experiment campaign performed on November 2016. In addition, another microgravity experiment is in preparation for the investigation of active magnetic navigation: PACMAN (Position and Attitude Control with MAgnetic Navigation) will consist in a CubeSat-sized spacecraft mock-up using on-board actively-controlled electromagnetic coils for guidance and will be tested in the framework of ESA Education “Fly Your Thesis! 2017” parabolic flights campaign.\\
This paper describes the TED concept and presents the evaluation its performances with respect to standard docking procedure. The roadmap in TED development is then introduced, focusing on the importance of microgravity tests in the assessment of its critical technologies and discussing the influence of the collected data on the design drivers of the proposed space demonstrator.

Abstract document

IAC-17,A2,3,5,x37733.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-17,A2,3,5,x37733.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.