Simulating the In-Orbit Construction of Space-Based Solar Power Satellites

The increasing global demand for energy, alongside the drive for sustainable energy sources has stimulated research into Space Based Solar Power (SBSP). However, the construction of very large space structures remains a challenge. Traditional assembly methods that require human extravehicular activity are resource-intensive and pose significant operational risks. This has motivated research into autonomous robots for large-scale construction missions in space. This study presents a novel simulation framework developed using Unreal Engine 5, a popular game engine, to model the autonomous robotic assembly of SBSP structures. The purpose of this work is to explore the impact of varying parameters such as robot and harbor quantities on assembly efficiency, thereby informing future mission planning and optimization strategies. The methodology describes the development of a user-configurable simulation, where autonomous robots retrieve and place modular tiles from distributed harbors of stacked tiles to form part of the structure of an SBSP satellite. The simulation integrates a tessellation algorithm for structure generation, an inventory management system for dynamic resource allocation including simulated resupply ships, and an event-driven framework for robot-harbor coordination. A series of controlled experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of different robot and harbor configurations on assembly time and energy consumption. Results indicate that increasing the number of robots significantly reduces assembly time in a non-linear fashion, demonstrating diminishing returns beyond a critical threshold due to the effects of congestion. Additionally, increasing the number of harbors results in improvements in assembly efficiency, reducing both construction time and total energy consumption. However, challenges with path planning, collision avoidance, and task scheduling emerge at configurations with higher quantities, highlighting the need for further optimization. This work showcases the possibility of using game engines for detailed space construction simulations, providing a flexible and extensible tool for future research into SBSP concepts and mission planning. The findings offer actionable insights surrounding assembly strategies, contributing to concept designs for SBSP and other large-scale space infrastructure. This work also identifies some weaknesses in such simulations, namely reduced performance in highly complex configurations which can reduce usability. Future work will integrate additional features such as robotic malfunctions, dynamic path optimization, and real-world launch constraints to enhance the realism and uses of the simulation. Acronyms/Abbreviations Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP). Heads Up Display (HUD).