3D printing modules for self-assembling space systems

Abstract

We review 3D printing of modules for self-assembling spacecraft and space robots – structure, actuators, electronics, sensors – focusing on motors as one of the mechatronic component triad. Self-assembly is necessary for autonomous construction of large space structures. We review self-assembly of modules in space. Self-assembly may be synergised with 3D printing to offer an automated capability of manufacturing from raw material into modules for assembling new spacecraft or habitats. One application of 3D printing is using space debris on-orbit as an in-situ resource - defunct spacecraft may be salvaged as raw material for in-situ construction on demand. All self-assembling modules constitute a structure within which an internal actuator resides and without which resides a reversible latching mechanism. We have demonstrated a 3D printed dual excitation DC electric motor less the wire coils which were not 3D printed. We have married our 3D printed motor prototype as an actuated joint between two 3D printed TRIGON-type panels as constituent parts of a TRIGON (transformable robotic infrastructure-generating object network) self-assembling and self-deploying structure concept. The 3D printed motorised deployable panel system shows that 3D printing can be applied to both structural and actuator parts of a robotic self-assembling machine. This has implications for self-assembling systems into modular satellites as a solution to space debris.