Modular self-reconfigurable spacecraft: Development status, key technologies, and application prospect

Modular self-reconfigurable spacecraft (MSRS) are composed of homogeneous or heterogeneous modules that can autonomously achieve configuration transformation without external intervention. In this study, the research status and key technologies of MSRS are reviewed. First, the concepts of modular reconfigurable spacecraft (MRS) and MSRS are described, and the advantages of the latter are analyzed. Typical MSRS are then introduced. Furthermore, the key technologies of MSRS are analyzed from four aspects: assembly structure design technology, mission configuration optimization technology, self-reconfiguration planning technology, and attitude cooperative control technology. Finally, the future trends and development of MSRS are presented. These spacecraft are expected to play a vital role in the aerospace field.