DEVELOPMENT OF A TOOL FOR MULTI-LAYER INSULATION MANIPULATION AND HANDLING

摘要

Most active satellites run out of propellants before any defects that inhibit their functionality occur. Refueling those satellites with on-orbit servicing missions would allow for significant lifetime extensions. Outlined here is the design and testing of a tool for the robotic cutting and handling of a satellites multi-layer insulation. This task is required to expose the fuel ports on traditional satellite designs where on-orbit servicing was not intended. For this purpose, multiple concepts were developed and rated through a technical assessment. The solution that was found to be the best fit to the requirements consists of a heating wire for thermal cutting and a holding utility based on gecko adhesion. This tool has been manufactured as a prototype to perform multiple tests in which the functional reliability has been validated and a demonstration using a satellite replication and a robotic manipulator has been performed showing a very good cut quality and a reliable connection between the holding utility and the created cut-out, making the tool a viable option to perform (on-orbit) manipulations on a satellites thermal blanket.