Self-adjusting modules could assemble large structures in orbit

Researchers at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the Beijing Institute of Technology have built a deployable module of three hexagonal corner pods linked by carbon-fiber rods that adjusts its own size and position for docking in space. In air-bearing tests, active morphing control corrected over 98% of positioning errors, letting magnetic latches engage.

• Module uses three hexagonal corner pods joined by carbon-fiber rods
• Stepper motors change rod length; cold gas thrusters handle positioning
• Active control corrected more than 98% of positioning errors during docking
• Without correction, manufacturing defects and rod bending caused magnetic latches to miss