Development of a standard connector for orbital replacement units for serviceable spacecraft

摘要

The current trend for spacecraft to be serviceable and repairable in orbit has led to a modular approach to satellite subsystem design. Spacecraft equipment, such as sensors, tape recorders, computers, transponders, batteries, etc., housed in discrete modular units, (Orbital Replacement Units(ORUs)) can be attached and detached to the spacecraft as needed. The interface between the ORU and the spacecraft is crucial. The projected use of robotics and the need for a common mechanism capable of performing several functions puts many constraints on the design of the interface. Such an interface mechanisms was designed and developed called the Standard Interface Connector (SIC) that mates the ORU to the spacecraft. The SIC also provides for the flow of fluids, data, and power between the module and spacecraft. The baseline design presented can be configured to provide various attachment schemes. Tests on SIC models have demonstrated the functionality of the design and its compatibility with current robotics.