Tenders Are Invited For Networked Orbital Mobility For Robotic Assembly/Deployment (Nomad) - Expro Plus

Tenders are invited for Networked Orbital Mobility for Robotic Assembly/Deployment (Nomad) - Expro plus Price Range > 500 KEURO To develop orbital mobility system allowing robots to move themselves and tools/materials/components over very large networked space structuresDescriptionThe next stage of space utilisation may see finally extremely large space systems being deployed for the benefits of humanity. These systems (such as sunshields, Space Power Stations) will be of dimensions unseen before (km scale). The systems will rely on structures formed by truss elements interconnected in a rigid network.The construction of these structures will rely solely on robots. These robots will move along the structure while building, populating and maintaining it. At the same time, they will carry components and parts for the construction and/or maintenance. Considering the size of the network of truss elements, it is possible that tens of robots may have to travel over cumulated distances of hundreds of kilometres.While free-floating robotscould be envisaged for this task, safety concerns and the consideration that propulsion requires consumable make this option not attractive. An efficient and safe way to allow mobility over the network is to embed an electric mobility means within the structure.The subject of this activity is a networked mobility system that will be embedded in the truss elements of very large orbital structures, allowing robots to efficiently and quickly reach all accessible locations of the large structure for transporting components or tools. The system shall be built by the same robots that will use it, together with the truss element to which is attached. The system shall provide power to the robots travelling over it and allow multiple robots to travel over it without obstructing each other.This activity builds on the results of TDE activities (T713-601MM - Multi-arm Installation Robot for Readying ORUS and Reflectors MIRROR ; T713-701MM In-Space Assembly And Construction technologies ISAAC) to provide a comprehensive solution for extremely large structures.This activity encompasses the following tasks:- Literature survey of applicable principles of mobility from terrestrial and space uses- Definition of conceptual design, system requirements- Preliminary design, identification of subsystems, interfacesand associated requirements- Breadboarding of critical capabilities and small scale testing- Development of critical components and testing against relevant space environmental factors- Development of large scale ground based demonstrator and validation Tender Link : https://esastar-publication-ext.sso.esa.int/ESATenderActions/filter/open