Dp 595 en
A robotic testbed for low-gravity simulation
Author: Jakub Tomášek
Upcoming space missions require validation of new robotic concepts for example for on-orbit servicing, active debris removal, and landing on low-gravity bodies. The thesis demonstrates a novel testbed based on a mobile robot for testing in a microgravity and low-gravity environment. When compared to conventional facilities based on air bearings, the testbed allows time-unlimited experiments with significantly lower inertia. The thesis in detail describes development of a prototype as a proof of concept and its verification. The tests demonstrate accurate dynamics at velocities ranging from 20 mms^-1 to 200 mms^-1 with payload mass of 4.7 kg and support mass of only 2.9 kg. Measured residual acceleration was below 0.001g but the concept allows to significantly improve this value.
- Tomášek Jakub, mailto:tomasja8@fel.cvut.cz