Deployment of Cabling on Hypothesized Surfaces – Psyche Cable Deployment
INSTITUTION
University of Georgia (UGA)
CLASS
Iridium Class (2024 – 2025)
STUDENT TEAM
ACADEMIC GUIDANCE
Dr. Johnson
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Deployment of Cabling on Hypothesized Surfaces project aims to create a method of deploying a 1 kilometer-long cable on the surface of the Psyche, a metal-rich asteroid located in the main asteroid belt. This deployment system will be crucial in facilitating the installation of a low-frequency radio telescope array, enabling enhanced data collection for scientific research in deep space. The hypothesized cable that is the basis of the design has been given specifications by the client, such as its composition, length, and application. Given the unique and largely unknown surface conditions of the Psyche, certain assumptions also had to be made regarding the asteroid’s terrain characteristics and what materials may be present on its surface, based upon research, scientific papers of similar projects, stakeholder discussions, and existing planetary data. Ultimately, these assumptions directly influence the design process, since we must ensure adaptability to potential environmental challenges.
To create a robust and feasible deployment system, the design has been divided into four primary components: cable design, spool design, robotic system design, and wheel design. Due to the project’s large scope and complexity, specific elements were prioritized in the design timeline. The cable was the first component to be designed, followed by the spool and the wheels, while the robotic deployment system has been designated for future refinement and research. The team’s goal is to create a comprehensive report on the research and analysis to determine the most effective designs for Psyche’s hypothesized environment. This will incorporate methodologies such as 3D modeling of each component, engineering simulations, and prototype fabrication of the system’s components to test the system’s feasibility. Simulations have been performed to evaluate the cable’s factor of safety and mechanical performance, ensuring resilience under various deployment conditions.
Developing a functional cable deployment system for Psyche presents unique engineering challenges due to the asteroid’s hypothesized low-gravity environment, metallic terrain, and unknown surface characteristics. To address these uncertainties, the design process incorporates advanced simulation techniques to model cable behavior, spool dynamics, and wheel traction in extraterrestrial conditions. Additionally, testing methodologies include structural analysis, material evaluations, and prototype assessments to refine the system’s performance. Given the complexities of space-based deployment, the project also benefits from interdisciplinary collaboration between mechanical engineers, materials scientists, and aerospace specialists, ensuring that the final design meets the stringent requirements for reliability, efficiency, and adaptability in an extreme environment.
Beyond its immediate goal of creating a cable deployment system, this project represents a significant advancement in extraterrestrial infrastructure. The principles and engineering solutions developed here could contribute to future breakthroughs in space exploration, lunar and Martian surface operations, asteroid mining, and telecommunications in extreme environments. Furthermore, similar deployment techniques could be adapted for terrestrial applications, such as underwater cabling and remote construction in challenging terrains. By addressing the complexities of deploying cabling in a low-gravity, metallic asteroid environment, this project may lay the foundation for future deep-space engineering solutions. Additionally, societal and financial implications related to space infrastructure and communications are explored within the report, underscoring the broader impact of this research.
