Publication Date:
2013-08-31
Description:
This work continues to develop advanced designs toward the ultimate goal of a Get Away Special to demonstrate economical removal of orbital debris using local resources in orbit. The fundamental technical feasibility was demonstrated in 1988 through theoretical calculations, quantitative computer animation, a solar focal point cutter, a robotic arm design, and a subscale model. Last year improvements were made to the solar cutter and the robotic arm. Also performed last year was a mission analysis that showed the feasibility of retrieving at least four large (greater than 1500-kg) pieces of debris. Advances made during this reporting period are the incorporation of digital control with the existing placement arm, the development of a new robotic manipulator arm, and the study of debris spin attenuation. These advances are discussed here.
Keywords:
SPACECRAFT DESIGN, TESTING AND PERFORMANCE
Type:
USRA, Proceedings of the 6th Annual Summer Conference: NASA(USRA University Advanced Design Program; p 11-21
Format:
application/pdf
