Key technologies of the China space station core module manipulator
Chengwei Hu, Sheng Gao, Minghua Xiong, Zixin Tang, Youyu Wang, Changchun Liang, Delun Li, Wenming Zhang, Lei Chen, Lei Zeng, Xin Liu, Rui Wang, Qingqing Wei, Chao Zhu, Dong Pan, Pengfei Xin, Hong Yang, Wencheng Luo, Dongyu Liu, Jianping Zhou, Nengli Dong
Abstract
<p indent="0mm">The self-developed China space station core module manipulator is the first large-sized space robot system with Chinese characteristics. In the space station system, the manipulator undertakes important tasks, including large module transposition and auxiliary docking, support for astronauts’ extravehicular activities, status check, and equipment installation or maintenance. It is highly integrated and difficult to implement, involving many disciplines, such as mechanics, electricity, thermals, optics, and control. This paper introduces the technical scheme of this manipulator system and focuses on key technologies in the development and on-orbit task verification of the manipulator. Finally, suggestions and prospects are put forward for the future development and applications of China space station manipulators and space robots.