A microgravity isolation mount (MGIM) to isolate payloads--typically consisting of materials processing experimental packages--from the vibration of the spacecraft on-orbit was designed. The MGIM consists of a central massive platform to support the payloads, controlled in six degrees of freedom to remain adjacent to an outer frame installed within the spacecraft, but without making contact. The actuators, sensors, and control techniques necessary to achieve this are reviewed. The concept is validated by means of a simple computer model which predicts that the MGIM satisfies the required microaccelaration levels. A three degree of freedom test rig consisting of a platform supported on an air bed to give free motion in the horizontal plane is described. It is shown that with the vibration isolation units configured to act independently, performance is unacceptable. However, it is also shown that a different configuration, giving explicit angular control, overcomes this problem.
Microgravity Isolation Mount. Final Report, October 21, 1985-February 28, 1987
1987
18 pages
Report
No indication
English
A microgravity isolation mount
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