Versatile Anchoring System Technology
Faculty Mentor Name
Kaela Martin, Akshata Balghare
Format Preference
Poster
Abstract
Small celestial bodies (SCBs) have been the central focus of many interplanetary missions aiming to research the history of the solar system and expand scientific discovery. Direct physical interaction with SCBs has only been accomplished five times, and none of these missions successfully anchored a lander to an SCB's surface. VAST's goal is to develop an effective anchoring system capable of maintaining lander contact with an SCB. Given research on the surface composition of SCBs, VAST believes surface penetration through the use of a mechanical anchor will provide sufficient anchoring force to counter any external centrifugal forces faced on the SCB surface. VAST's prototype will be controlled remotely with communication between two Arduinos responsible with launching the mechanical anchor. Calculations through Ansys and Catia VS were conducted to ensure the VAST prototype can withstand external and reaction forces during its deployment on an SCB surface. By establishing a foundation for sustained interaction with SCBs through anchoring, scientific missions can extend their time on SCBs beyond their limited touch-and-go capabilities of today.
Versatile Anchoring System Technology
Small celestial bodies (SCBs) have been the central focus of many interplanetary missions aiming to research the history of the solar system and expand scientific discovery. Direct physical interaction with SCBs has only been accomplished five times, and none of these missions successfully anchored a lander to an SCB's surface. VAST's goal is to develop an effective anchoring system capable of maintaining lander contact with an SCB. Given research on the surface composition of SCBs, VAST believes surface penetration through the use of a mechanical anchor will provide sufficient anchoring force to counter any external centrifugal forces faced on the SCB surface. VAST's prototype will be controlled remotely with communication between two Arduinos responsible with launching the mechanical anchor. Calculations through Ansys and Catia VS were conducted to ensure the VAST prototype can withstand external and reaction forces during its deployment on an SCB surface. By establishing a foundation for sustained interaction with SCBs through anchoring, scientific missions can extend their time on SCBs beyond their limited touch-and-go capabilities of today.