Review
Version 1
Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed
3D Printing Modules for Self-Assembling Space Systems
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Version 1
: Received: 9 February 2024 / Approved: 20 February 2024 / Online: 20 February 2024 (14:25:26 CET)
How to cite: Ellery, A.; Elaskri, A. 3D Printing Modules for Self-Assembling Space Systems. Preprints 2024, 2024021154. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202402.1154.v1 Ellery, A.; Elaskri, A. 3D Printing Modules for Self-Assembling Space Systems. Preprints 2024, 2024021154. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202402.1154.v1
Abstract
We explore 3D printing modules for self-assembling spacecraft and robots – structure, actuators, electrics. Self-assembly has long been viewed as a highly desirable capability for autonomous construction of large space structures. We review self-assembly in space which focusses on the self-assembly of modules that demonstrate the range of applications. However, self-assembly may be synergised with 3D printing to offer an automated capability from raw material to modules for assembling new spacecraft or habitats. One application of 3D printing is using space debris on-orbit as an in-situ resource - defunct spacecraft may be salvaged as raw material for in-situ construction on demand. The common features of all self-assembling modules are that the modules constitute a structure housing a computer-controlled actuator internally and a reversible latching mechanism externally. We have demonstrated a 3D printed DC electric motor in which the only components that were not 3D printed are the wire coils. We have married our 3D printed motor prototype as an actuated joint between two 3D printed trigon-type panels developed as part of a trigon self-assembling system concept. The trigon concept underlies a modular approach to self-assembling and self-deploying structures. The 3D printed motorised panel system demonstrates that the motor aspect and structural aspects of robotic self-assembling machines are amenable to 3D printing. This has implications for self-assembling systems into modular satellites as a solution to space debris.
Keywords
additive manufacturing; 3D printed electric motors; self-assembly; reconfigurable robotics; flat-pack space structures; space debris resources
Subject
Engineering, Aerospace Engineering
Copyright: This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
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