CubeSat Robotic Assembly

Described is a spacecraft locker configured be deployed in outer space and configured to assemble satellites (e.g., CubeSats) within it and deploy them in outer space. In an embodiment, an unmanned spacecraft includes a housing configured to be deployed in a microgravity environment, the housing having an access point (e.g. a door), a storage area configured to store parts of a satellite, one or more robots movably positioned in the housing, and a controller configured to control at least one of the one or more robots to access parts from the storage area and to assemble the parts on an assembly platform of the housing. The controller may also control deployment of the assembled satellite through the door of the housing to a position in the microgravity environment.

Researchers

Kerri Cahoy / Ezinne Uzo-Okoro

Departments: Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Technology Areas: Industrial Engineering & Automation: Manufacturing & Equipment, Robotics

  • unmanned spacecraft and method for assembling satellites
    United States of America | Published application

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