Investigation of the potential applications of shape memory alloys for space debris remediation applications
- Paper number
IAC-17,A6,6,6,x37613
- Author
Mr. Louis Wei-yu Feng, University of Cape Town, South Africa
- Coauthor
Dr. Peter Martinez, University of Cape Town, South Africa
- Year
2017
- Abstract
Active debris removal is becoming an important area of research due to the rapid growth of space debris and the need for some form of debris remediation. Debris remediation concepts fall into two general categories: contact-based and contactless. Contact-based schemes for debris capture have to overcome the challenge of capturing a non-cooperating object in space with no pre-designed attachment points. Various schemes involving, inter alia, nets and harpoons have been proposed. In this paper we explore the potential to use shape-memory alloys as a technological basis for a debris capturing solution that can be used multiple times. A proof-of-concept prototype was developed at University of Cape Town, named MEDUSA (Mechanism for Entrapment of Debris Using Shape memory Alloy). This has been designed as a demonstration payload for a CubeSat test platform to perform a small debris capture proof-of-concept demonstration. MEDUSA uses the shape-memory alloy ninitol, which gives it the ability to assume pre-programmed “open” and “closed” shapes after distortion. Each of the five arms of MEDUSA can attain both pre-programmed shapes to allow reversible operations. This paper presents the design and development process from the conceptual design to the current Mk III finished prototype. The device underwent thermal and vacuum testing at the Institute for Space Systems (IRS) in Stuttgart to assess its performance under different environmental conditions. Data obtained includes thermal characteristics and motion data on capturing and release.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-17,A6,6,6,x37613.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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