Conceptual Design of a Multipurpose Robotic Craft for Space Based Construction

摘要

The conceptual design of a machine to generate construction material, sinter surfaces and perform final assembly of space station modules is presented. The construction of a 50m diameter, 50m high, and 2m thick cylindrical module out of pulverized rock from a NearEarth Object is taken as a test case. The Rock-Breaker uses beamed microwave energy from solar collectors. Pulsed solid plasma thrusters are used for maneuvering and in conjunction with an impact torque-driver for anchoring spacecraft to low-gravity NEOs. Dynamic analysis of this integrated rendezvous, anchoring and maneuvering system shows how total system mass is minimized. The cutting system uses arrays of fiber laser beams and plasma jets integrated into truncated Aerospike nozzles on telescoping arms to obtain small cubic blocks for construction. These blocks lift from the surface to form a toroidal cloud. Various cutting patterns were tested to optimize cutting power and time requirements. The craft is designed for a total mass of 25000 kg at transfer from Low Earth Orbit, and uses a solar sail as the primary propulsion system.