Flux-Pinned Interfaces for the Assembly, Manipulation, and Reconfiguration of Modular Space Systems

Action-at-a-distance interactions between permanent magnets and superconductors known as “flux pinning” provide a novel way to fix many modular space systems in desired relative positions and orientations, from space stations to close-proximity formations. When cooled appropriately, these flux-pinned interfaces require no power or active control and very little mass but provide very high mechanical stiffness (>200 N/m for a few hundred grams of material) and damping (2% of critical) between modules, making the technology ideal for in-orbit assembly applications. We describe new measurements and simulations to characterize these values for spacecraft applications. Flux-pinned interfaces have so far achieved inter-module separations in the 8-10 cm range with ~100 g of mass on each module, with the prospect of larger separations. We also discuss several means to actuate the noncontacting couplers, which is a first step towards the development of devices for the noncontacting manipulation and reconfiguration of modular space systems.