Astrodynamics and Spacecraft Lab

The Astrodynamics and Spacecraft Lab provides a ground-based hardware-in-the-loop test facility with spacecraft simulators to verify guidance, navigation and control algorithms for spacecraft relative motion as well as proximity operations and maneuvers. The lab supports cutting-edge research activities related to spacecraft formation flight, on-orbit servicing and space debris removal. The lab is the home for two research groups: ADAMUS (ADvanced Autonomous MUltiple Spacecraft) Lab run by Dr. Riccardo Bevilacqua and ASPROS (Autonomous SPacecraft and RObotic Systems) Lab run by Dr. Hancheol Cho.

Equipment

• Air bearing-based spacecraft simulators to test spacecraft relative motion and attitude maneuvers
• 168” x 168” x 14” granite surface plate on which the simulators float on a thin film of air
• PhaseSpace Motion Capture system to collect and record position and attitude data of the simulators
• Helmholtz cage to provide a magnetic field and create an environment similar to the geomagnetic field in space
• Moment of Inertia and center of gravity-measuring machine
• Vibration table
• 3D printer