Responsive Space Structures: Modular, re-configurable tiles for microgravity self-assembly

To achieve autonomous self-assembly of large scale space structures in orbit, we propose and are executing on a technology development roadmap where responsive sensing augments the physical shell material of modular space structures to guide tile navigation and neighbor-neighbor bonding. This facilitates decentralized, guided space structure construction independent of astronaut EVAs (extra-vehicular activities) and robotic agents, and robust to single part failure via a system of RF-enabled ""smart assembly nodes."" This paper will describe the TESSERAE platform (Tessellated Electromagnetic Space Structures for the Exploration of Reconfigurable, Adaptive Environments) and present results from a 2019 testing campaign across microgravity parabolas and a suborbital rocket launch.