Robotic Airlock System for Spacecraft Payload Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spacecraft airlock systems and payload attachment mechanisms require astronaut-led Extravehicular Activities (EVA) for operations, which are resource-intensive and limited by power, data, and thermal management, especially for space-exposed payloads attached via Flight Releasable Attachment Mechanisms (FRAMs) far from pressurized modules.
Innovation Solution
A robotic spacecraft airlock system utilizing Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM) sites as FRAM sites, enabling robotic operation without EVAs, leveraging superior resources like increased power, thermal cooling, and higher bandwidth data services, and allowing FRAM sites to be moved and added without disrupting CBM operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If astronaut Extravehicular Activity (EVA) is used for airlock and payload operations, then operational capability is achieved, but resource consumption increases and operational flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system enables self-service operations for airlock and payload attachment/detachment. The robot autonomously performs tasks that previously required astronaut EVAs, eliminating the need for human intervention and reducing resource consumption associated with life support systems for extravehicular activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical human-operated system with an automated robotic system. The robot uses mechanical arms and end-effectors to perform attachment and detachment operations, substituting the astronaut's manual operations with automated mechanical actions that consume fewer resources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If FRAM sites are located far from pressurized modules, then payload exposure to space conditions is enabled, but access difficulty and resource availability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system acts as an intermediary between the pressurized module and the space-exposed payload. The robot can operate in the vacuum environment to attach and detach payloads at distant FRAM sites, bridging the gap between the protected astronaut environment and the harsh space conditions without requiring direct human access to remote locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the operational environment into distinct zones: the pressurized module for astronaut safety and the robotic arm for vacuum operations. This segmentation allows payloads to be positioned far from the module while maintaining astronaut protection and enabling robotic access to remote FRAM sites.
3Power
If CBM sites are used as FRAM sites, then resource availability improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling CBM sites to serve dual purposes: their original Common Berthing Mechanism function and an additional Flight Releasable Attachment Mechanism function for payloads. This universality allows existing infrastructure to provide power and resources without adding separate dedicated FRAM sites, thereby avoiding increased system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the CBM and FRAM functions into a single integrated site. By combining the berthing mechanism with payload attachment capabilities at the same location, the system eliminates the need for separate infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full resource availability.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide a spacecraft airlock system. Embodiments provide a method and apparatus for attaching space exposed payloads to a space station.