Persistent Assets in Zero-G and on Planetary Surfaces: Enabled by Modular Technology and Robotic OperationsSpace operations are on the cusp of a revolutionary new operational paradigm that leverages modular systems and recurring robotic visits to “Persistent Assets” enabling asset maintenance, repair, and enhancement. A “Persistent Asset” is defined here as any zero-g or planetary surface system that benefits from in-space assembly (ISA) or multiple visits for servicing, repairs, and upgrades. This term is an extension of the term “Persistent Platform” used by Ms. Pam Melroy at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to describe the vision of the Agency for a geosynchronous Earth orbiting platform. In this paper, the term “Persistent Asset” is introduced to encompass not only zero-g systems; such as telecommunication platforms, Earth observing science platform, Department of Defense platforms, and scientific telescope systems, but also planetary surface systems that support missions such as human outposts, science stations, and in-situ resource utilization systems. In contrast to the current state of the art, where space systems are typically launched as a single unit and operated without any further physical intervention after launch; future systems will be maintained, enhanced and reconfigured in-situ as new technology becomes available or mission needs change. Visits to the persistent asset can be regularly scheduled or dictated by funding constraints enabling a pay-as-you-go approach, which is largely independent of time-constraints and able to exploit launches of opportunity. In this paper, historical in-space assembly activities which relied heavily on astronaut extra-vehicular activity will be reviewed as well as early robotic assembly activities. These approaches will be contrasted with emerging modular approaches supporting realization of a new Persistent Asset operational paradigm. The paper will define attributes of the Persistent Asset paradigm and illustrate advantages by applying the paradigm to two relevant applications: 1) a large space telescope backing structure and 2) the backbone structure for a solar electric transport vehicle. Finally, recently developed unique Persistent Asset elements (modules, and interface approaches) will be described.
Document ID
20190033124
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Doggett, William R. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Teter, John E. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Paddock, David A. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Dorsey, John T. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Jones, Thomas C. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Komendera, Erik E. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Bowman, Lynn M. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Allen, B. Danette (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Neuhaus, Jason R. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
November 21, 2019
Publication Date
September 17, 2019
Subject Category
Cybernetics, Artificial Intelligence And RoboticsQuality Assurance And Reliability
Report/Patent Number
NF1676L-29353
Meeting Information
Meeting: AIAA SPACE Forum
Location: Orlando, FL
Country: United States
Start Date: September 17, 2018
End Date: September 19, 2018
Sponsors: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)