Conceptual Design of an Open-Source Hardware Simplified Floating Spacecraft Simulator

This thesis covers parts of the development of a new open-source hardware Floating Spacecraft Simulator for teaching and research purposes, named MyDAS, standing for Mini Dynamic Autonomous Spacecraft Simulator. A Floating Spacecraft Simulator (FSS) is an autonomous robotic vehicle which floats via air bearings on a smooth surface, is actuated by thrusters and controlled by an on-board computer. The use of FSS is advantageous as a cost-effective ground-test tool providing a level of fidelity between numerical simulations and orbital flight. Research has shown that physical of validation is important for advancing autonomous spacecraft maneuvers. Even though many FSS are in use worldwide in universities, research centers and industries, they are typically custom developed and expensive items. In this thesis for the first time, to the best knowledge of the author, a FSS is introduced which is designed to be as small and as inexpensive as possible, while maintaining a high level of spacecraft-emulation fidelity. By introducing MyDAS, the author aims at a broader utilization of spacecraft simulators for research and education at university level, and possibly also high-school level. In addition to being small and inexpensive, MyDAS shall use off-the-shelf and 3D-printed components to allow for customization and improvement. The preliminary design of MyDAS addresses three primary systems necessary to develop a miniature, simplified FSS. These systems include pneumatics, electronics, and structure. The fundamentals, the state of the art, as well as the conceptual design of this specific FSS are presented in this thesis.