Numerical study of novel concept for in-space assembly of ring-like space structures

This paper introduces a novel robotic assembly concept for ring-like space structures with an internal prestressed cable net, based on the AstroMesh Reflector architecture. The proposed concept uses a stationary robotic assembly facility known as the truss builder. The modular components of the structure are packaged into the truss builder for launch into space and, once in orbit, the truss builder carries out the assembly process by executing simple, repetitive operations. A two-dimensional finite element ABAQUS simulation predicts the kinematics of the assembly sequence of such ring-like structures, capturing physics-based events of the actual assembly process. For six-sided and twelve-sided structures, it is shown that the assembly process can be successfully completed for a range of design parameters of the system.