Autonomous Docking Operations For A Novel In-Space Assembly Connector

SpaceWorks Enterprises, Inc. (SEI) seeks NASA support for the development of a ldquo;smartrdquo; docking connector for autonomous dock sequencing on a pair of androgynous spacecraft connectors.nbsp;nbsp;The ldquo;smartrdquo; features on the pair of spacecraft connectors includes a sensing and short-range communication technology that will offer navigational information, handshaking, and auto-dock sequencing during proximity operations and docking between the host spacecraft and target spacecraft. As envisioned, once the enhancements through hardware and software are implemented on the connector system an operational capability is offered to help assist the construction of large spacecraft structures or offer upgradeable modular platforms to existing spacecraft structures.nbsp;The scope of the Phase I effortnbsp;includes the study and simulation of proximity operations and the benefits that can be added with a ldquo;smartrdquo; docking connector configuration. This activity will leverage SpaceWorks#39;nbsp;existing, novel connector solution, dubbednbsp;FuseBloxtrade;, to create a new autonomous docking system and capability.