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Project # 110
Autonomous In-Space Truss Assembly Robot
| Team Lead: | John Cross |
| Other Team Members: | Spencer Cornwell | Juan Rodriguez | Nicholas Hermes | Nevin Puthenpurackal |
| Faculty Advisor(s): | Dr. Paul Davidson |
| Department: | MAE |
| Project Type: | Senior Design |
| Title: | Autonomous In-Space Truss Assembly Robot |
| Abstract: | This project is an entry to the COSMIC Capstone Challenge, where students design a conceptual payload to advance the nation's In-space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) capabilities. The challenge requires participants to “design a payload, to be hosted about the BCT X-Sat Venus Class bus, that will demonstrate a chain of 3 or more operations that provide an on-orbit, autonomous ISAM capability.” Through trade studies and research, our team identified the need for autonomous truss assembly to enable scalable, hands-off construction of space structures, enhancing mission flexibility. In response, we propose a robotic system that autonomously assembles modular trusses using thermoplastic induction welding. The robot employs a novel locomotion method, pivoting around truss nodes to navigate and construct efficiently. This system reduces reliance on crewed intervention, enabling the rapid deployment of large-scale orbital structures and paving the way for the future of mankind's space exploration. |
| Poster: | View Poster #110 (PDF) |
| Judges Scoring: | Submit Evaluation (judges only) |