High-Level Project Summary
We developed a device that is capable of separating spacecraft parts smoothly, i.e. without an impact. The device is also resettable since nothing breaks during device actuation. Virtual simulations proved that it withstands severe stress that influences spacecraft during the launch.Our device "solves" the challenge, as it meets the main objectives and even some optional ones. We used an unconventional approach to device design and made sure it was different from existing methods. Also, as mentioned, it can separate spacecraft parts smoothly.We believe that in the modern world, our device can prove to be important due to its innovative design and outstanding properties.
Link to Project "Demo"
Link to Final Project
Detailed Project Description
The device separates cable that is used to hold spacecraft parts together during launch or other spacecraft elements that require separation. It works by spinning gear with the electric motor. This gear then spins another gear, which is a part of a rotor, which unlocks the locking mechanism and releases the cable or coupled element.
It has several benefits, e.g. small size and mass, low costs, doesn't require much electricity to operate, can operate in a broad range of temperatures and withstands high reaction forces and is reusable. The device does not create a high-shock event when used and is pretty reliable. We believe it is better than alternatives that are currently on the market.
We hope that our device will be used in future NASA missions and will make the separation in the aerospace industry both safer and cheaper.
Software used:
- Autodesk Fusion 360
- Autodesk AutoCAD
Space Agency Data
Agency data used:
- https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/constellation/ares/parachute_results.html
- https://trs.jpl.nasa.gov/bitstream/handle/2014/45484/14-0701_A1b.pdf?sequence=1
- https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19950024937/downloads/19950024937.pdf
- https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19880017010/downloads/19880017010.pdf
- https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20110016488/downloads/20110016488.pdf
- https://technology.nasa.gov/patent/LEW-TOPS-135
- https://technology.nasa.gov/patent/LEW-TOPS-130
- https://spinoff.nasa.gov/Spinoff2020/ip_8.html
- https://www.hq.nasa.gov/alsj/CSM12_Earth_Landing_Subsystem_pp93-98.pdf
We used NASA data to find information about separation devices that are currently in use, how they function and their advantages and disadvantages.
Hackathon Journey
The hackathon was a great experience for our entire team. We've learned a lot about separation systems, mechanical fasteners, alloys, joints and much more. We have also met many experts in the field of space exploration, analysis and rocket science. We were especially interested in how to address the problem of space debris within our challenge. We spent a lot of time and effort on solving the challenge, and we think that we have succeeded in inventing a device that meets all the objectives.
Our approach was to search for existing ways of separation, their pros and cons and in which way they did not meet the challenge objectives. We then thought of unconventional technologies that can be used in a similar way. We chose some of the best options that could potentially fulfil the objectives and searched more about them. Unfortunately, all of the ideas we had to have in one or another way violated the objectives, so we decided to return to more traditional and reliable mechanical locks. We eventually came up with the idea that was simple and reliable enough to use on spacecraft.
While there were some setbacks during these 48 hours, we managed to keep our heads down and carry on. In the moments of despair, we remembered that we still had enough time to solve our problems. But it wasn't so bad after all, and we would like to thank our local team in Kyiv for their help and the organization of that challenge here and the amazing mentors who gave great practical and theoretical advice during the hackathon.
References
Resourses used:
Explosive bolts: types, constructions and development features
- https://journal.yuzhnoye.com/files/issue/2020_1/PDF/19.pdf
- https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19950024937/downloads/19950024937.pdf
- https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19880017010/downloads/19880017010.pdf
Iridium(iii)-catalysed cross-linking of polysiloxanes leading to the thermally resistant luminescent silicone rubbers
Shape-memory alloys
- https://www.comsol.ru/blogs/the-elephants-of-materials-science-smas-never-forget-their-shape
- http://www.pat2pdf.org/patents/pat7501032.pdf
- https://technology.nasa.gov/patent/LEW-TOPS-135
- https://technology.nasa.gov/patent/LEW-TOPS-130
Bearing types
- https://unitech.com.ua/blog/tipi-i-vidi-podshipnikov/
- https://prmeh.ru/company/press/20110329/
Tools used:
- Microsoft
- Fusion 360
- Adobe XD
- Tableau
Tags
#hardware #SpaceTravel #satellites #spacecraft #separation
Global Judging
This project has been submitted for consideration during the Judging process.