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As the number of active satellites in orbit continues to surge, with estimates from Harvard-Smithsonian's Jonathan McDowell placing the count at over 10,000 as of July, the demand for efficient satellite testing solutions has grown in parallel. The proliferation of compact CubeSats and advancements in commercial spaceflight have significantly lowered the cost of satellite deployment, fostering t by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Aug 21, 2024
As the number of active satellites in orbit continues to surge, with estimates from Harvard-Smithsonian's Jonathan McDowell placing the count at over 10,000 as of July, the demand for efficient satellite testing solutions has grown in parallel. The proliferation of compact CubeSats and advancements in commercial spaceflight have significantly lowered the cost of satellite deployment, fostering the expansion of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks, particularly for free-space optical communication via laser beams.
This technological advancement, coupled with increasing satellite deployment, has driven the need for innovative testing equipment. Both commercial and academic institutions are continuously developing improved systems to rigorously test and validate satellite hardware before it embarks on its journey to space.
Physik Instrumente's (PI) 3-DOF spherical air bearing systems have become essential tools in the testing of small satellite attitude control systems. These frictionless bearings allow for the simulation of a zero-gravity environment, enabling satellites to perform pitch, roll, and yaw maneuvers as they would in space without the need for expensive traditional testing methods such as drop testing.
The PI A-651 to A-657 series spherical air bearings provide frictionless motion across three rotational degrees of freedom, offering unrestrained rotation about the vertical Z-axis and a +/-45 tilt about the horizontal X and Y axes. These bearings come in various sizes, with diameters ranging from 50mm to 300mm, capable of supporting payloads from under 20 pounds to as much as 1,400 pounds using compressed air at 80 psi.
This range of sizes accommodates a wide array of small satellites, from 1U picosatellites to larger half-ton minisatellites. The lightweight design of the PIglide HB spherical air bearing's moving component minimizes mass and inertia, ensuring the test system accurately reflects actual satellite behavior in space.
Understanding Attitude Control and Zero-Gravity Simulation Testing
'Attitude Control Testing': Spherical air bearings are crucial for testing satellite attitude control systems. They create a frictionless environment that allows for the simulation of pitch, roll, and yaw movements-key elements in determining how a satellite will orient itself in orbit.
'Zero-Gravity Simulation': These bearings enable the simulation of a zero-gravity environment by providing frictionless motion in three degrees of freedom. This function is essential for assessing satellite behavior in space without resorting to costly and complex alternatives such as drop tests or parabolic flights.
The majority of these small satellites are expected to support free-space optical communication, paving the way for affordable, high-speed internet access across the globe.
Beyond spherical air bearings, PI offers additional space-oriented solutions, including 6DOF hexapod positioning systems used in validating optical terminals like those at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, and fast steering mirrors designed for free-space optical communication in LEO satellites.
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