Robotic Arm Installation of Space-Qualified Fasteners for On-Orbit Satellite Assembly & Maintenance

Due to the harsh environment and limited-no access to space for servicing, assembly, and maintenance, space systems rely heavily on costly, and time-consuming risk reduction efforts to ensure sustainability on-orbit for years. The extreme temperatures of space contract/expand fastening systems, which leads to failures, and it is for this reason that fasteners destined for space are safety-wired. Beyond mere construction, the US Space Force and Department of Defense are committed to On-orbit (and In-orbit) Servicing, Assembly, and Maintenance (OSAM, ISAM) investments for the implementation of modular space vehicle architectures in order to refuel, repair, replace and upgrade a satellite. Enduralock offers a fastener solution that can be inserted and assembled in space, which does not require safety wire–thus, lowering the probability and risk of maintenance. Put simply, safety wire cannot be checked or replaced in-space. Enduralock’s technology development will contribute to risk reduction, mission assurance, and resilience across the entire space architecture. The technical goals of our involvement in this project are the development of No.4-No.10 mechanically locking, high vibration resistant fasteners that are unaffected by the temperature extremes in the space environment. The end effector for robotic installation in space will be developed. This will allow for the first robotic fastening solution that can be implemented in space. The mission impact of this project on the Air Force (Space Force) and the Department of Defense will be to provide the Air Force (and Space Force) the following strategic capability and otherwise strengthen the execution of the National Defense Strategy. Within 24 months of this research and development project, Enduralock will work with Space Systems Command (SSC) to adapt its fastener system technology to the space environment through the miniaturization and space-qualification testing of the Silver Lock Fastener for on-orbit application. This project will develop a magazine for and refine a robotic arm Adapter to allow the Silver Lock Fasteners to be removed, temporarily stored, and ultimately be re-installed in space. Enduralock will also develop the required tooling to manufacture the fastener components through forging, injection molding and stamping processes, and subject the fastener assemblies to National Aerospace Standard (NAS) qualification testing and thermal cycle testing to evaluate the performance of the technology in space environment. ???????