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
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.
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.
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
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.