A modular CubeSat concept for on-orbit assembly on the space station

In order to complete the on-orbit assembly of microsatellites operated by astronauts on the space station and carry out on-orbit service and space tests, the modular CubeSat concept is proposed by combining the concept of standardized modular assembly with the CubeSat technology, and then the CubeSat building system is upgraded from board-level modular assembly to functional modular assembly. Firstly, on the basis of the functional independence and physical independence, the CubeSat is divided into several functional blocks having standard structure and interfaces, and the symmetrically arranged female-male-female standard interface is used to realize flexible assembly between adjacent blocks. Secondly, two kinds of mechanical docking interface are introduced and their advantages and disadvantages are analyzed in detail. Thirdly, the theoretical mechanical analysis, finite element calculation and prototype tests are carried out on the mechanical docking interface. The experimental results show that the precision and strength of the mechanical docking interface can meet the assembly requirements on the space station. The proposed modular CubeSat concept and standard mechanical docking interface are compatible with the traditional CubeSat structure, without occupying its internal space, and can realize the modular assembly of CubeSat.