F-6-3-1 Small Docking Mechanism for Small Mothership-Daughtership Satellites : on-ground experiments

Abstract

This paper deals with study and development of a small docking mechanism. The docking mechanism aims to be used in some type of small mothership-daughtership satellites in orbit. We introduce a docking method and propose new docking mechanism based on the method. The mechanism, which has the grasping and guiding functions, is small, lightweight, low power, and a simple system to meet the mothership-daughtership configuration and requirements. We manufacture a fundamental test model and conduct 2-dimensional microgravity experiments using an air floating test bed, as well as 3-dimensional ones using a drop-shaft tower in order to verify the designed functions under the microgravity environment. We analyze the docking behavior of the docking mechanism and the satellite which shows rigidbody collision motion with friction. Finally, we describe a plan of numerical simulations for comparison with the on-ground experiments mentioned above.