IPERDRONE roadmap for new on orbit services performed by space drones

Paper number

IAC-19,D1,1,1,x50833

Author

Ms. Samantha Ianelli, Italy, Italian Space Agency (ASI)

Coauthor

Dr. Marta Albano, Italy, Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI)

Coauthor

Dr. Alessandro Gabrielli, Italy, Italian Space Agency (ASI)

Coauthor

Mr. Marco Di Clemente, Italy, ASI - Italian Space Agency

Coauthor

Ms. Stefania Cantoni, Italy, CIRA Italian Aerospace Research Centre

Coauthor

Dr. Mario De Stefano Fumo, Italy, CIRA Italian Aerospace Research Center, Capua

Coauthor

Mr. Raffaele Votta, Italy, CIRA Italian Aerospace Research Centre

Coauthor

Mr. Alberto Fedele, Italy, CIRA Italian Aerospace Research Centre

Coauthor

Dr. Roberto Gardi, Italy, CIRA Italian Aerospace Research Centre

Coauthor

Mrs. Margherita Cardi, Italy, Tyvak International SRL

Coauthor

Mr. Filippo Corradino, Italy, Tyvak International SRL

Coauthor

Mr. MArco Villa, Italy, Tyvak International SRL

Coauthor

Dr. Carrai Fabrizio, Italy, Kayser Italia Srl

Coauthor

Mr. Fabrizio Carubia, Italy, Kayser Italia Srl

Year

2019

Abstract

Since the late 1950’s, when the first artificial satellite was launched into space there has been an interest to inspect the spacecrafts. From simple inspection of non cooperative vehicles to debris damage repair, commercial spacecraft life extension, space tug service of cooperative vehicles, the studies performed so far are many but for a variety of reasons, these systems have failed so far to come to fruition. One of the greatest challenges was the level of maturity of the technologies required, casting doubt on the economic viability and clear industrial need.
In this context, the Italian Space Agency is promoting a roadmap for the design, manufacturing and operation of a new space re-entry drone. The IPERDRONE program will consist of a series of missions characterized by incremental objectives, aiming at qualifying new type of missions and related technologies. The program include, as first steps, the design of inspection services for spacecrafts and manned vehicles to reduce the EVA missions of astronauts and the retrieval of payloads and their re-entry on ground. In particular the requirement on the mass of the vehicle, only 20kg for the first mission, will make it competitive with the heavier existing technology.
The design of the vehicle will take into account the safety requirements of the International Space Station in order to be as more flexible as it is possible to enable the largest variety of missions. 
The paper will present the scenarios of application of this drone and the status of development of the first mission, DAVID, based on a 6U cubesat architecture. The mission will demonstrate the system’s capabilities such as proximity operations, inspection and interaction with a target, including a close rendez-vous demonstration.

Abstract document

IAC-19,D1,1,1,x50833.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-19,D1,1,1,x50833.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.