Space debris regulation and reduction is an increasingly relevant theme. Several initiatives in the aerospace field on debris removal are pursued by space agencies. In this context, an analysis has been conducted on diverse mechanisms for spacecraft coupling in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with a robotic arm. Four grasping mechanical concepts for space debris removal applications have been proposed in respect of restrictive requirements. Two concepts are based on probe and drogue mating systems and the other two on finger-like grasping systems. The paper describes the preliminary design and the operation of the proposed mechanisms. In addition, it lays the foundation for a trade-off procedure in order to evaluate advantages and drawbacks for each concept.

Grasping Mechanism Concepts Oriented to Debris for Removal Applications / Scarcia, Michael; Palmieri, Pierpaolo; Pastorelli, Stefano; Mauro, Stefano. - ELETTRONICO. - (2019). (Intervento presentato al convegno 70th International Astronautical Congress, IAC 2019 tenutosi a Washington D.C. (USA) nel 21-25 October 2019).

Grasping Mechanism Concepts Oriented to Debris for Removal Applications

Scarcia, Michael;Palmieri, Pierpaolo;Pastorelli, Stefano;Mauro, Stefano
2019

Abstract

Space debris regulation and reduction is an increasingly relevant theme. Several initiatives in the aerospace field on debris removal are pursued by space agencies. In this context, an analysis has been conducted on diverse mechanisms for spacecraft coupling in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with a robotic arm. Four grasping mechanical concepts for space debris removal applications have been proposed in respect of restrictive requirements. Two concepts are based on probe and drogue mating systems and the other two on finger-like grasping systems. The paper describes the preliminary design and the operation of the proposed mechanisms. In addition, it lays the foundation for a trade-off procedure in order to evaluate advantages and drawbacks for each concept.
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11583/2847453