Abstract: A joint system for constructing orbital and extra-terrestrial structures includes a node receptacle having a node surface and a finger receiver projecting outwardly of the node surface, and a strut element including a support member, a finger element shiftably supported on the support member, a shell system shiftably supported on the support member and connected to the finger element, and an actuator mounted to the support member and operatively connected with the shell system. The actuator is operable to shift the finger element and the shell system into contact with the node receptacle. The finger element cooperates with the finger receiver to form a first load path and the shell system cooperating with the node surface to form a second load path.

Abstract: A joint system for constructing orbital and extra-terrestrial structures includes a node receptacle having a node surface and a finger receiver projecting outwardly of the node surface, and a strut element including a support member, a finger element shiftably supported on the support member, a shell system shiftably supported on the support member and connected to the finger element, and an actuator mounted to the support member and operatively connected with the shell system. The actuator is operable to shift the finger element and the shell system into contact with the node receptacle. The finger element cooperates with the finger receiver to form a first load path and the shell system cooperating with the node surface to form a second load path.

Abstract: A coupling system and a method of coupling two objects is provided. The coupling system including a passive unit having a first side and an opposing second side, the first side having a recess with a lip. The coupling system further having an active unit that includes an actuator, a cam mechanism and a plurality of capture rollers. The cam mechanism is operably coupled to the actuator, the cam mechanism being movable from a stowed position to a deployed position. The plurality of capture rollers is operably coupled to the cam mechanism to move from a first position to a second position in response to the cam mechanism moving from the stowed position to the deployed position, the plurality of capture rollers engaging the lip in the second position when the passive unit is in contact with the active unit.

Abstract: A joint system for constructing orbital and extra-terrestrial structures includes a node receptacle having a node surface and a finger receiver projecting outwardly of the node surface, and a strut element including a support member, a finger element shiftably supported on the support member, a shell system shiftably supported on the support member and connected to the finger element, and an actuator mounted to the support member and operatively connected with the shell system. The actuator is operable to shift the finger element and the shell system into contact with the node receptacle. The finger element cooperates with the finger receiver to form a first load path and the shell system cooperating with the node surface to form a second load path.