space technology

Adaptive In-Orbit Servicing of Altered Satellite Components

Adaptive In-Orbit Servicing of Altered Satellite Components

Adaptive gripper placement on altered components for servicing in-orbit satellites
Justus Rein ORCID Icon, Christian Plesker ORCID Icon, Adrian Reuther ORCID Icon, Hanyu Liu ORCID Icon, Benjamin Schleich ORCID Icon
In-orbit servicing of satellites presents several challenges as the satellite hardware is exposed to external influences throughout its life cycle. These factors wear down the components and cause changes to their physical structure. In such cases, the limits of simple dis- and reassembly steps may be reached, as the gripping surfaces are no longer present or suitable. This paper proposes an approach of an adaptive grip position estimation in a CubeSat disassembly process. The relevant components are identified using CAD models and a 3D camera. The gripping positions are determined based on the geometry of the gripper and the point cloud of the component.
Industry 4.0 Science | Volume 41 | Edition 6 | Pages 10-21 | DOI 10.30844/I4SE.25.6.10
“Entrepreneurial courage is the key ingredient”

“Entrepreneurial courage is the key ingredient”

Interview with Prof. Jan Wörner, Director of the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies (FIAS)
Production is leaving Earth. As access to space becomes increasingly affordable and reliable, the idea of manufacturing in space is evolving from science fiction to a real industrial strategy. In this interview, Jan Wörner, who has headed not only the German Aerospace Center (DLR) but also the European Space Agency (ESA) for many years, talks about strategic opportunities and regulatory challenges.