Final report on a study of automated rendezvous and docking for ATS 5 despin, volume 1

Investigation of cost effective utilization of space maintenance and repair techniques to despin Applications Technology Satellite number 5 - Vol.

Real-Time Satellite Component Recognition with YOLO-V5

With the increasing risk of collisions with space debris and the growing interest in on-orbit servicing, the ability to autonomously capture non-cooperative, tumbling target objects remains an unresolved challenge. To accomplish this task, characterizing and classifying satellite components is critical to the success of the mission. This paper focuses on using machine vision by a small satellite to perform image classification based on locating and identifying satellite components such as satellite bodies, solar panels or antennas. The classification and component detection approach is based on “You Only Look Once” (YOLO) V5, which uses Neural Networks to identify the satellite components. The training dataset includes images of real and virtual satellites and additional preprocessed images to increase the effectiveness of the algorithm. The weights obtained from the algorithm are then used in a spacecraft motion dynamics and orbital lighting simulator to test classification and detection performance. Each test case entails a different approach path of the chaser satellite to the target satellite, a different attitude motion of the target satellite, and different lighting conditions to mimic that of the Sun. Initial results indicate that once trained, the YOLO V5 approach is able to effectively process an input camera feed to solve satellite classification and component detection problems in real-time within the limitations of flight computers

Space Tug Docking Study. Volume 4: Supporting Analyses

For abstract, see N76-21245

Pointing and control system enabling technology for future automated space missions

Future automated space missions present challenging opportunities in the pointing-and-control technology disciplines. The enabling pointing-and-control system technologies for missions from 1985 to the year 2000 were identified and assessed. A generic mission set including Earth orbiter, planetary, and other missions which predominantly drive the pointing-and-control requirements was selected for detailed evaluation. Technology candidates identified were prioritized as planning options for future NASA-OAST advanced development programs. The primary technology thrusts in each candidate program were cited, and advanced development programs in pointing-and-control were recommended for the FY 80 to FY 87 period, based on these technology thrusts

Design improvement and analysis of quadrilateral mechanism locks for microsatellite docking systems

openThe rapid growth of the New Space Economy has led to an increased use of mi-crosatellites and nanosatellites, due to their lower costs and faster development. In recent years interactions between spacecrafts in terms of on-orbit servicing, assembly and active debris removal have become appealing fields of interest furthering the expansion of existing space assets and development of novel so-lutions. Amid the growing interest in the subject over the last two decades, the University of Padova has actively participated in the study and development of docking solutions, including DOCKS, the drogue-probe docking system this the-sis focuses on. Specifically, the primary objective of this work is to enhance the hard-docking part of DOCKS by introducing a redesigned quadrilateral mecha-nism with three locks. This mechanism plays a critical role in securing the dock-ing interface, ensuring a stable and reliable connection between the two space-crafts. After providing a comprehensive background on docking solutions in the introduction, highlighting the transformative role and growing importance of small satellites, the thesis objectives are outlined, and the system is character-ized through kinematic and force analysis. The proposed redesign addresses key performance limitations of the existing drogue-probe docking system, par-ticularly in terms of locking capabilities and resource utilization. It features ad-justed dimensions and actuators selection to minimize its impact on the mi-crosatellite's power consumption and weight constraints. To address scenarios where mechanism opening failure may occur, a release mechanism has been developed, providing a contingency measure by enabling the disengagement of the drogue-probe docking interface. The release mechanism's design ensures safe and controlled separation, preventing damage to the spacecraft or pay-loads. The enhancements have been evaluated through simulation, demonstrat-ing significant improvements in docking performance and resource efficiency. Future research directions include improvements in some critical aspects, such as further miniaturization of some components, an overall optimization of the mechanism and testing.The rapid growth of the New Space Economy has led to an increased use of mi-crosatellites and nanosatellites, due to their lower costs and faster development. In recent years interactions between spacecrafts in terms of on-orbit servicing, assembly and active debris removal have become appealing fields of interest furthering the expansion of existing space assets and development of novel so-lutions. Amid the growing interest in the subject over the last two decades, the University of Padova has actively participated in the study and development of docking solutions, including DOCKS, the drogue-probe docking system this the-sis focuses on. Specifically, the primary objective of this work is to enhance the hard-docking part of DOCKS by introducing a redesigned quadrilateral mecha-nism with three locks. This mechanism plays a critical role in securing the dock-ing interface, ensuring a stable and reliable connection between the two space-crafts. After providing a comprehensive background on docking solutions in the introduction, highlighting the transformative role and growing importance of small satellites, the thesis objectives are outlined, and the system is character-ized through kinematic and force analysis. The proposed redesign addresses key performance limitations of the existing drogue-probe docking system, par-ticularly in terms of locking capabilities and resource utilization. It features ad-justed dimensions and actuators selection to minimize its impact on the mi-crosatellite's power consumption and weight constraints. To address scenarios where mechanism opening failure may occur, a release mechanism has been developed, providing a contingency measure by enabling the disengagement of the drogue-probe docking interface. The release mechanism's design ensures safe and controlled separation, preventing damage to the spacecraft or pay-loads. The enhancements have been evaluated through simulation, demonstrat-ing significant improvements in docking performance and resource efficiency. Future research directions include improvements in some critical aspects, such as further miniaturization of some components, an overall optimization of the mechanism and testing

Industry/government seminar on Large Space systems technology: Executive summary

The critical technology developments which the participating experts recommend as being required to support the early generation large space systems envisioned as space missions during the years 1985-2000 are summarized

Integrated orbital servicing study for low-cost payload programs. Volume 2: Technical and cost analysis

Orbital maintenance concepts were examined in an effort to determine a cost effective orbital maintenance system compatible with the space transportation system. An on-orbit servicer maintenance system is recommended as the most cost effective system. A pivoting arm on-orbit servicer was selected and a preliminary design was prepared. It is indicated that orbital maintenance does not have any significant impact on the space transportation system

L1 libration point manned space habitat

Second generation stations or Manned Space Habitats (MSHs) are discussed for an Earth-Moon libration point and in lunar orbit. The conceptual design of such a station is outlined. Systems and subsystems described reflect anticipation of moderate technology growth. The evolution of the L1 environments is discussed, several selected subsystems are outlined, and how the L1 MSH will complete some of its activities is described

Technology for the Future: In-Space Technology Experiments Program, part 2

The purpose of the Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology (OAST) In-Space Technology Experiments Program In-STEP 1988 Workshop was to identify and prioritize technologies that are critical for future national space programs and require validation in the space environment, and review current NASA (In-Reach) and industry/ university (Out-Reach) experiments. A prioritized list of the critical technology needs was developed for the following eight disciplines: structures; environmental effects; power systems and thermal management; fluid management and propulsion systems; automation and robotics; sensors and information systems; in-space systems; and humans in space. This is part two of two parts and contains the critical technology presentations for the eight theme elements and a summary listing of critical space technology needs for each theme

Fiscal year 1973 scientific and technical reports, articles, papers, and presentations

Formal NASA technical reports, papers published in technical journals, and presentations by MSFC personnel in FY73 are presented. Papers of MSFC contractors are also included