Satellite Capture and Servicing Using Networks of Tethered Robots Supported by Ground Surveillance
Himangshu Kalita, Roberto Furfaro, Jekan Thangavelautham

TL;DR
This paper explores the feasibility of using networks of small, tethered robots for satellite capture and servicing, aiming to improve safety, cost-effectiveness, and scalability over traditional large spacecraft methods.
Contribution
It introduces a decentralized robotic approach for satellite capture, emphasizing cooperative multi-robot systems as a novel alternative to large servicing spacecraft.
Findings
Decentralized robots can cooperatively capture satellites.
Multi-robot systems reduce risk and cost.
Approach is scalable with ground-based sensing technology.
Abstract
There is ever growing demand for satellite constellations that perform global positioning, remote sensing, earth-imaging and relay communication. In these highly prized orbits, there are many obsolete and abandoned satellites and components strewn posing ever-growing logistical challenges. This increased demand for satellite constellations pose challenges for space traffic management, where there is growing need to identify the risks probabilities and if possible mitigate them. These abandoned satellites and space debris maybe economically valuable orbital real-estate and resources that can be reused, repaired or upgraded for future use. On-orbit capture and servicing of a satellite requires satellite rendezvous, docking and repair, removal and replacement of components. Launching a big spacecraft that perform satellites servicing is one credible approach for servicing and maintaining…
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Taxonomy
TopicsSpace Satellite Systems and Control · Astro and Planetary Science · Optimization and Search Problems
