Development of stewart platforms for active vibration isolation and precision pointing

Abstract

Vibration isolation and extreme precision pointing is needed for future space telescopes, imaging sensors, laser communication, space-borne optical interferometer, and other sensitive payloads which have increased performance, depending on sustained sub-microradian pointing accuracy and stability. However, the vibration sources are increased due to the large flexible structures, truss-type structures and motion devices. The spatial Stewart platform (hexapod), built by smart materials and smart structures, is a promising way to address these issues, especially for the six degree-of-freedom control purpose, since the platform offers several advantages over the serial counterparts and other methods. Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), University of Washington, the Hexapod Research Group of University of Wyoming, CSA Engineering Inc, Honeywell Satellite Systems Operation and other groups have done a lot of research, this paper provides a representative look at the state-of-the-art technology and research in active vibration isolation and precision pointing applied in space.