MIDAS
The 2018-2019 Illinois Space Society Micro-g NExT team has designed a multipurpose and reusable tool called the Micrometeoroid Impact Detection and Suppression (MIDAS) device that (1) detects sharp edges caused by Micrometeroid and Orbital Debris (MMOD) collisions on the exterior handrails of the International Space Station (ISS) and (2) suppresses the sharp edges by permanently covering the jagged lip with Kapton tape. The detection portion of the tool consists of Velcro brand hook-and-loop tape that covers the Detachable Velcro Holder (DVH), which is designed as a cast of the ISS handrail. The covering section of the tool dispenses Kapton tape using a gear mechanism where the device detects a sharp edge. The tape is perforated for consistent dispensing length, so once it is supplied onto the rail the dispenser end-piece will apply pressure to separate the tape at its perforation point.
Since proposal submission, the team has focused on improving multiple aspects of the tool design and manufacturability. In particular, the team has worked to eliminate the handedness requirement of the tool and ensure that the tape application location is consistent on every use. The team is also looking to include a visual or physical indicator on the device to more clearly indicate that sharp edge detection is verified, in addition to haptic feedback. Based on proposal feedback, the team is working to respond to technical concerns and continue component testing to validate design requirements. Finally, the team will be working closely with students and technical experts on optimizing the manufacturability of the MIDAS tool.
The team is excited to travel to Houston, TX to test the MIDAS device in NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) from June 3-6, 2019.
Since proposal submission, the team has focused on improving multiple aspects of the tool design and manufacturability. In particular, the team has worked to eliminate the handedness requirement of the tool and ensure that the tape application location is consistent on every use. The team is also looking to include a visual or physical indicator on the device to more clearly indicate that sharp edge detection is verified, in addition to haptic feedback. Based on proposal feedback, the team is working to respond to technical concerns and continue component testing to validate design requirements. Finally, the team will be working closely with students and technical experts on optimizing the manufacturability of the MIDAS tool.
The team is excited to travel to Houston, TX to test the MIDAS device in NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) from June 3-6, 2019.