Space Docking Simulation Simulator Overview

Abstract

Background: Docking mechanism ground simulation test technology has been a significant issue in the aerospace industry. Docking mechanisms must pass various conventional evaluation tests as a class of electromechanical space products and other space products. Due to the unique nature of the working object environment in space engineering, it is very expensive to simultaneously simulate the docking work under space conditions and conduct ground reproduction tests, so the test technology of the docking mechanism must be thoroughly investigated. Objective: This paper reviews patents on aircraft ground docking and space environment simulation systems to provide insights and references to scholars and researchers in spacecraft simulator manufacturing. Methods: The representative patents associated with each simulation equipment for space docking simulators, including mechanical docking dynamics equipment, space-integrated environment simulation experimental equipment, and thermal vacuum experimental equipment, are described by analyzing the structural functions of these simulators and elaborating on their operating principles and characteristics. Results: By describing various types of space simulators, the current direction of space docking simulators can be optimized, and their future development direction is summarized and analyzed. Conclusion: The comprehensive environmental reproduction of the space docking simulator facilitates the examination of actual problems and potential flaws in spacecraft and has a significant effect on the advancement of the space field.