Concept Development for Autonomous In-Space Additive Manufacturing, Inspection Using Thermography, and Robotic Manipulation

Abstract

This work focuses on the autonomous manufacturing aspect of ISAM (In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing) with the objective to design a proof-of-concept payload to demonstrate the viability of on-orbit manufacturing and assembly technologies, working towards the long-term goal of establishing an orbital ecosystem to facilitate future space travel and scientific research. The payload demonstrates a series of three discrete operations: A 3D printed snap-fit component, evaluated via thermographic analysis, and assembled by a robotic arm. Its size, weight, and power (SWaP) specifications are 20.9 kg, 191.5 W, and 520.7 mm x 416.6 mm x 685.8 mm, which are within the BCT X-SAT Venus Class Bus requirements.