How Northrop Grumman leverages Simcenter for space robotics success

Space robotics operations (on-orbit satellite servicing, manufacturing, and refueling) are complex. There is limited simulation data that constitutes these space operations, and the operations involve sophisticated maneuvers in the space environment (0-g environment in a vacuum with extreme temperature gradients). In the space environment, the mechanisms and structures can exhibit higher order non-linear dynamic characteristics.

The development of space robotic systems is a lengthy process that requires extensive simulations and sensitivity studies (Design of Experiments). The space robotics systems cannot be fully tested, validated, and verified through ground testing as it is nearly impossible to replicate the exact operational environment. Hence, extensive analytical simulations are critical to the mission's success and play a crucial role in the robotic system development as well as verifying the system operations. This webinar will focus on how Simcenter 3D, HEEDS, and Simcenter Amesim are being utilized in Northrop Grumman’s on-orbit satellite servicing programs to reduce operational risk and predict with a high probability of success the environment in which the robotic systems operate. The creation of a high-fidelity digital twin was made possible by Simcenter 3D and Simcenter Amesim co-simulations, while Simcenter HEEDS provided highly efficient process automation for reliability assessment.

The digital transformation brought by Simcenter portfolio, part of Siemens Xcelerator has delivered substantial cost advantage and mission risk reduction over the conventional engineering approach.