The Application and Development of Static Pressure Air Floating in the Field of Micro-Low-Gravity Simulation Experiments for Spacecraft
Libin Zang,
Weijie Hou,
Lei Liu,
Haixia Hu,
Xingze Wang,
Yong Jia,
Yongbo Hao,
Yuehua Li,
Baoshan Zhao
Affiliations
Libin Zang
School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
Weijie Hou
Tianjin Key Laboratory of Microgravity and Hypogravity Environment Simulation Technology, Tianjin Institute of Aerospace Mechanical and Electrical Equipment, Tianjin 300301, China
Lei Liu
Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering, Beijing 100190, China
Haixia Hu
Beijing Institute of Control Engineering, Beijing 100190, China
Xingze Wang
Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering, Beijing 100190, China
Yong Jia
Beijing Institute of Control Engineering, Beijing 100190, China
Yongbo Hao
Beijing Institute of Control Engineering, Beijing 100190, China
Yuehua Li
Tianjin Key Laboratory of Microgravity and Hypogravity Environment Simulation Technology, Tianjin Institute of Aerospace Mechanical and Electrical Equipment, Tianjin 300301, China
Baoshan Zhao
Tianjin Key Laboratory of Microgravity and Hypogravity Environment Simulation Technology, Tianjin Institute of Aerospace Mechanical and Electrical Equipment, Tianjin 300301, China
The force conditions experienced by spacecraft and astronauts in space are vastly different from those in Earth’s gravitational environment, hence it is necessary to conduct adequate micro-low-gravity environment simulation tests on the ground before launch. In this paper, an overview is provided of the current status of micro-low-gravity simulation test technology for spacecraft based on hydrostatic air-bearing. The paper systematically organizes the application of hydrostatic air-bearing technology in micro-low-gravity simulation tests, such as the deployment of space mechanisms, spacecraft GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control), on-orbit operations of space manipulators, and astronaut training. It summarizes the principles of air-flotation micro-low-gravity simulation technology in different scenarios and distills suitable solutions for various requirements. Finally, the paper looks forward to the development trends of air-flotation micro-low-gravity simulation test technology and proposes key technical challenges that need to be overcome in aerostatic bearing.
