Development of a vibration isolation prototype system for microgravity space experiments

Abstract

Growing concern about the microgravity environment on the Space Shuttle orbiter has generated interest in vibration isolation systems for microgravity science experiments. The presence of small levels of low frequency accelerations on the orbiter has degraded this “microgravity” environment for the science community. This interest in systems capable of isolating against the acceleration environment on orbital carriers has directed most research, in these isolation systems, to active methods of compensation. In this paper the development of a magnetically suspended six degree-of-freedom (DOF) active vibration isolation prototype system capable of performing the needed compensation to the orbital environment is presented. A design for the magnetic actuators is described. Relative and inertial sensors are used in providing an inertial reference for isolating the payload. The control law for the prototype system is also described giving a non-intrusive inertial isolation response to the system.