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International Space Station (ISS) => ISS Section => Topic started by: jongoff on 11/05/2011 05:55 pm

Title: SRMS and SSRMS max tip loads?
Post by: jongoff on 11/05/2011 05:55 pm

Hey guys,

Does anyone have good numbers for the maximum tip loads for the Shuttle RMS and the Space Station RMS? I had heard some numbers this week that seemed way too low for the SRMS, and was wondering if someone had documented good numbers on the two systems?

~Jon

Title: Re: SRMS and SSRMS max tip loads?
Post by: Space Pete on 11/06/2011 02:02 am

If by "tip loads" you are referring to the maximum loads that a Latching End Effector (LEE) can maneuver, then the NASA Space Shuttle manual lists 65,000 pounds for the SRMS. I don't have data for the SSRMS at this time (but I can get it if you really need it).

Just out of interest, is this anything to do with your D2S proposal? I've thought about this previously - putting sticky boom on the end of the SSRMS would effectively give you a 30 foot extension, while also providing an external method of control for sticky boom.

Title: Re: SRMS and SSRMS max tip loads?
Post by: jongoff on 11/06/2011 02:13 am

Quote from: Space Pete on 11/06/2011 02:02 am

If by "tip loads" you are referring to the maximum loads that a Latching End Effector (LEE) can maneuver, then the NASA Space Shuttle manual lists 65,000 pounds for the SRMS. I don't have data for the SSRMS at this time (but I can get it if you really need it).

I was more looking for the maximum force you could apply at the tip.  While the SRMS can maneuver a 65,000lb payload, I heard that the max tip load was well under 100lb.

Quote

Just out of interest, is this anything to do with your D2S proposal? I've thought about this previously - putting sticky boom on the end of the SSRMS would effectively give you a 30 foot extension, while also providing an external method of control for sticky boom.

That wasn't quite where I was going with this per se.  I was just curious what the actual tip load was so I could compare it with the gripping force we've been getting with our Sticky Boom gripper.

~Jon

Title: Re: SRMS and SSRMS max tip loads?
Post by: Space Pete on 11/06/2011 02:42 am

Ah, right. I'm still not entirely sure I know what you mean - are you talking about rigidisation (when the grapple fixture on a payload is pulled into the SSRMS)? In other words, the pulling force of the LEE, which holds payloads onto the arm?

If so, the SSRMS exerts a force of 7,500 N when rigidised - which I calculate to be 1,686 Ibf.