Design and Development of On-orbit Servicing CubeSat-class Satellite

摘要

The long term vision of the Naval Academy Satellite Team for Autonomous Robotics (NSTAR) is to lower both the risk and cost of on-orbit space system construction and repair through the use of a CubeSat robotic arm system. NSTAR developments will enable space agencies and private companies to construct large, complex structures in space at a reduced cost with greater diagnostic assessment ability. Robotic Experimental Construction Satellite (RECS) is designed as NSTAR’s second project iteration and works to meet five different capabilities for semi-autonomous orbit assembly. RECS is a 3U CubeSat with two extendable robotic arms, each with six degrees of freedom. In coordination with the launch manifest, RECS has been designed, completed, and is awaiting launch to the ISS where it will conduct testing. This type of on-orbit demonstration has never been completed on CubeSat-scale systems. A successful mission will indicate entry into a new frontier of satellites, where space systems remain in operation longer, missions are of lower cost, and the ability to complete space-based scientific research is expanded. This paper provides the details of the design and capabilities of the NSTAR system.