PULSAR: Testing the Technologies for On-Orbit Assembly of a Large Telescope

Abstract

The EU project PULSAR (Prototype of an Ultra Large Structure Assembly Robot) carried out a feasibility analysis for a potential mission that could demonstrate robotic technology for autonomous assembly of a large space telescope. The project performed the analysis using two hardware demonstrators, one devoted to show the assembly of five segmented mirror tiles using a robotic manipulator, and another one showing extended mobility for assembling a large structure in low gravity conditions. The hardware demonstrators were complemented with a simulation analysis to demonstrate the operation of a fully integrated system and to address the challenges especially in the field of attitude and orbital control. The techniques developed in the project support the path toward In-Space Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM).