Title :
Micro-satellite ground test vehicle for proximity and docking operations development
Author :
Ledebuhr, A.G. ; Ng, L.C. ; Jones, M.S. ; Wilson, B.A. ; Gaughan, RJ ; Breitfeller, E.F. ; Taylor, W.G. ; Robinson, J.A. ; Antelman, D.R. ; Nielsen, D.P.
Author_Institution :
Lawrence Livermore Nat. Lab., CA, USA
Abstract :
This paper updates the ongoing effort at LLNL to develop autonomous, agile micro-satellites (MicroSats). The objective of this development effort is to develop MicroSats weighing only a few tens of kilograms, that are able to autonomously perform precision maneuvers and can be used telerobotically in a variety of mission modes. The capabilities under development include satellite rendezvous, inspection, proximity-operations, formation-flying, docking, and servicing. The focus of this paper is on the development of several ground test vehicles and the demonstration of proximity operations on a dynamic air bearing table
Keywords :
aerospace computing; aerospace robotics; aerospace simulation; aerospace testing; artificial satellites; attitude control; maintenance engineering; space vehicle electronics; telerobotics; autonomous agile microsatellites; control avionics; docking; dynamic air bearing table; formation-flying; grappler; ground test vehicles; inspection; navigation software; precision maneuvers; proximity-operations; satellite rendezvous; servicing; simulated zero gravity; star tracker; telerobotics; Aerospace electronics; Inspection; Laboratories; Land vehicles; Remotely operated vehicles; Road vehicles; Satellites; Space technology; Testing; Vehicle dynamics;
Conference_Titel :
Aerospace Conference, 2001, IEEE Proceedings.
Conference_Location :
Big Sky, MT
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-6599-2
DOI :
10.1109/AERO.2001.931210
