Making satellites easier to connect, repair and upgrade

Satellites use many different connectors for power, data and heat, so failing hardware usually means the spacecraft is abandoned, adding to the debris problem. An EU-funded project called SPACE USB built a Common Passive Interface that locks into place in minutes and tested it against Europe's three rival docking standards. A robotic test bench attached it to a dummy satellite for different jobs.

Summary written with AI by HowTechMoves, based on reporting by Innovation News Network.