Investigation on a new type of latching mechanism on the satellite-rocket docking system and locking dynamic analysis

Abstract

To meet the in-orbit maintenance requirements of malfunctioning satellites and maintenance satellites rigid connections, a new type of latching mechanism based on satellite-rocket docking ring is proposed, which has light weight, good structural stiffness, simple motion and locking mechanism, simple control logic, high reliability and large range of docking ring size adaptation. A multi-body dynamic model of the docking ring latch mechanism, malfunctioning satellite and maintenance satellite were established, the maximum locking force and maximum friction of the latch mechanism and the maximum stress of the latching joint and crank of the direct force component were analyzed, and the change of locking force and friction under the three typical in-orbit maneuvering conditions were studied. The results show that: the maximum locking force and maximum friction of the latch mechanism on the docking ring is 1300N and 320N, respectively, stable locking force and friction are 300N and 80N, respectively, the maximum stress occurs on connecting rod which is 865 MPa; In-orbit maneuvering has little effect on the locking force and friction of the docking ring latch mechanism, and the docking ring latch mechanism can always lock the malfunctioning satellite steadily and reliably.