structural characteristics

• Air bearing systemThis is one of the core components of the three-axis air flotation table. By introducing high-pressure gas (usually air) between the support surface of the air flotation platform and the base, a thin air film is formed to allow the platform to rotate freely in an almost frictionless state, thus simulating the weightlessness environment in space.
• Three axis frame structureComposed of three mutually perpendicular frames, each corresponding to the three degrees of freedom of spacecraft motion (pitch, yaw, roll). Each framework can rotate independently and simulate various attitude movements of spacecraft in space.
• Drive and measurement systemThe drive system usually uses motors and other devices to apply specific torque to the air flotation platform, simulating various external torques experienced by spacecraft in space, such as solar radiation pressure torque, geomagnetic torque, etc. The measurement system includes various high-precision sensors, such as gyroscopes, accelerometers, etc., for real-time measurement of the attitude and motion parameters of the air flotation platform.
• Platform countertopLocated at the top of the air flotation platform, it is used to install models or test pieces of the tested spacecraft. The platform needs to have high flatness and load-bearing capacity to ensure the stability of the test piece installation and the accuracy of the measurement.

working principle

Application scenarios

• Spacecraft attitude control system testingDuring the spacecraft development phase, the three-axis air floating platform can be used to test the hardware and software of the attitude control system, verify the correctness and effectiveness of the attitude control algorithm, and ensure that the spacecraft can accurately adjust and maintain its attitude in space.
• Research on the Dynamics Characteristics of SpacecraftBy simulating the motion of spacecraft under different operating conditions, the dynamic characteristics of spacecraft, such as moment of inertia and damping characteristics, are studied, providing important basis for the structural design and dynamic modeling of spacecraft.
• Verification of New Attitude Control TechnologyFor some new attitude control technologies, such as control algorithms and new actuators, experimental verification can be conducted on a three-axis air flotation platform to evaluate their performance and feasibility, and reduce the risk of spacecraft operation in orbit.

advantage

• High degree of simulationIt can highly simulate the weightlessness and free motion state of spacecraft in space, providing conditions close to the real space environment for spacecraft testing, greatly improving the reliability and effectiveness of test results.
• measurementThe high-precision measurement system equipped can accurately obtain various motion parameters of the air flotation platform, providing detailed data support for the design and optimization of spacecraft.
• reproducibilityRepeated experiments under the same conditions can be conducted multiple times to facilitate comparative analysis and optimization improvement of spacecraft performance.

limitation

• costlyThe design, manufacturing, and maintenance of a three-axis air bearing platform require a significant investment of funds, and its high-precision air bearing system, drive and measurement system, etc. all use advanced technology and expensive materials.
• High environmental requirementsIt is necessary to operate in a constant temperature, humidity, and clean environment to ensure the normal operation of the air bearing and the accuracy of the measurement system, which has high requirements for installation and use environment.
• The scale of the experiment is limitedAlthough it is a large equipment, there are still certain limitations in its experimental space and simulated interference conditions compared to the real space environment, and some end conditions may be difficult to fully simulate.