Development of a tip-tilt air-bearing testbed for physically emulating proximity-flight orbital mechanics. Issue 10 (15th May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fernandez, Bautista R.; Herrera, Leonardo; Hudson, Jennifer; Romano, Marcello
• Is Part Of: Advances in space research. Volume 71:Issue 10(2023)
• Page Start: 4332
• Page End: 4339
• Publication Date: 2023-05-15
• Subjects: Spacecraft relative motion -- Hardware-in-the-loop testing -- Air bearing testbed; Space sciences -- Periodicals; Astronautics -- Periodicals; Geophysics -- Periodicals; 500.505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.asr.2023.01.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0273-1177

Abstract

Abstract: This paper presents the design and development of a new granite hardware-in-the-loop air-bearing testbed that can emulate the relative dynamics of orbiting spacecraft. The air-bearing testbed's granite slab is supported via a fixed post and two mechanically adjustable screw actuators that allow the table's surface to change in orientation. The surface can actuate in two axes: pitch and roll. As the table tilts, the Earth's gravitational acceleration affects the acceleration experienced by a floating test vehicle operating on its surface without the need to activate the vehicle's on-board thrusters. Thus, the testbed emulates the relative orbital dynamics between two orbiting spacecraft, instead of the planar zero-g conditions provided by most granite table facilities. Proof-of-concept experimental results are presented.