HOTDOCK and the MOSAR Walking Manipulator, Technologies for Modular Spacecraft Assembly and Reconfiguration

Kurzfassung

The concept of modular and reconfigurable spacecraft is a possible gamechanger solution to answer the future challenges of the space industry and exploration, that includes, space sustainability, economical profitability, system reliability and large structure on-orbit assemblies. This paper introduces the EC H2020 MOSAR project, aiming at refining and demonstrating the concept of modular spacecraft. More specifically, the chapter will focus on the design, validation and future perspectives of the two robotic system developments, which are the standard interconnect (SI) HOTDOCK and the MOSAR Walking Manipulator (MOSAR-WM). The exploitation of standard interconnects, providing mechanical /data/power/thermal transfers between connected entities, as well as more advanced and capable robotic systems, for performing the operations, open new horizon of possibilities for future space missions, ranging from On-Orbit Servicing of existing satellites to large On-Orbit Assembly and reconfiguration of modular spacecraft.