Satellite Servicing by Teleoperators

Abstract

The Teleoperator Maneuvering System (TMS) will initially be a Shuttle-launched ground-based, satellite servicing vehicle controlled by man-in-the-loop. During Space Station implementation, it will be used to assist the assembly and placement of the various Space Station elements as well as to provide logistics module transportation from the Shuttle to the Space Station. It will eventually be based at the Space Station to support satellite viewing, spacecraft and payload placement and retrieval functions, and to provide support of science or materials processing free-flying platforms. Various satellite servicing examples with the use of the TMS from the Space Station and/or the Space Shuttle are provided in this paper. Concepts for the number of TMS and the type of basing required at the Space Station are also reviewed. Specific station accommodations must await definition of the emerging station configurations.