Development of the Varying Gravity Rack(VGR) for the Chinese Space Station

Abstract

Space station provides valuable resources for the researches of space sciences, particularly for microgravity science and space life science where the gravity plays an important role in the relevant processes. The varying gravity space experiments can isolate the gravity from many other factors, and then reveal its role and increase the understanding of the nature and life. Furthermore, it can also simulate different gravity levels, such as the Earth, Moon and Mars, which makes it possible to seek the solutions for the long-term adaptability of people to the space environment and for the R&D of space technology. A varying gravity rack (VGR) has been planned to be installed aboard the Chinese Space Station (CSS) to provide the required varied gravity conditions for future projects of the space physical and life sciences. This paper introduces the development of the VGR for the CSS. The VGR has two centrifuges with diameters of 900 mm and can provide the gravity range from 0.01 g to 2 g. Many advanced technologies like wireless energy transmission which has an efficiency over 82% and auto-balance system are applied in the VGR. The mechanical, electrical and thermal systems are discussed separately. The vibration test of the centrifuge is carried out under the sweep sine and random excitation to verify the numerical simulation and provide the optimization basis for the centrifuge. The development of the VGR will enhance the space research in the forthcoming long-term activities of CSS.