Abstract: A platform for storage and transfer of payloads in space includes a plate for supporting a payload, and a transfer mechanism for transferring the payload to and from the plate. A groove extends diametrically between two edges of the plate for receiving a rail provided on the payload. The rail includes a plurality of teeth, and the transfer mechanism includes a gear which interacts with the teeth for moving the rail. Two platforms may be positioned adjacent to each other for transferring a payload. Docking of the two platforms includes engagement of tapered pins and tapered holes on the platforms. In this manner, the grooves of the platforms are aligned. The rail is passed between the grooves of the platforms for transferring the payload between the platforms.

Abstract: A strain sensor includes a sensor body extending substantially in a plane. The sensor body is substantially symmetric in the plane about a first axis and a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. The sensor body includes a plurality of sensor body portions symmetrically spaced apart about the first axis and the second axis with the plurality of sensor body portions interconnected by respective beams. The strain sensor further includes at least one strain sensing element mounted on one of the respective beams.