Abstract:

With the focus on docking and separation technology for on-orbit servicing, a novel docking mechanism designed for a modular satellite offers a highly effective approach for on-orbit satellite servicing and assembly. This paper introduces its mechanism and describes the kinematic equation of the mechanism. The numerical simulation results given by MATLAB demonstrate that the kinematic equation deduced is rational. According to the equation, the potential interference issue of the mechanism is analyzed and the noninterference moving condition is also given. The modeling and simulation methods proposed can be referenced for further study in designing and manufacturing other modular satellite docking mechanisms.

Key words:  Modular satellite, On orbit servicing, Docking mechanism, Kinematical modeling, Numerical simulation