Micro Gravity Simulator

The main objective of this project is to build a robotic platform to recreate microgravity environment on Earth. Different methods have already been implemented for this purpose but they present some limitations. For example, zero gravity flight is a very expensive procedure that has a very short duration per test. On the other hand, the robotic platform proposed on this project will allow for extensive testing at low operational cost. The first step of the proposed research is to developed a two dimensional platform with two linear axis and one rotational axis. A force sensor will be mounted on the third axis to maintain zero force at the interface between the robotic platform and the space robot recreating free floating conditions. Afterwards, a second robotics platform will be developed to test satellite tracking and docking operations. This system will allow for testing projects developed by other teams where a micro gravity environment simulation is required. Poster Presentation IGNITE GRANT AWARD