In order to properly model the natural world around us, we create accurate simulations and models. One area that our lab believes is important to understand is the modeling of space flight. Computer simulations can create fantastic models, however, there can be a large mental hurdle in seeing and understanding a three dimensional space recreated on a two dimensional screen. This lack of complete visualization inspired the creation of this vehicle.
The goal of this project is to create a mobile ground vehicle coupled with a 6 degree of freedom robotic arm in order to accurately model the orbital mechanics of a spacecraft as it moves in space. The end effector of the robotic arm has a small model spacecraft/cubesat that will allow the observer to see the paths and maneuvers that the model is recreating. We can also use the GPS camera system built in our lab to visualize on the computer the maneuvers that the hardware just preformed. One important aspect of this vehicle is the portability of the simulator. There are many similar machines that have the same goal of emulating spacecraft movement, but these are large mechanisms that cannot easily transfer from room to room.
This spacecraft simulation has applications in both education and defense.
The simulations and tests of this robot can determine if an object in low Earth orbit (LEO) or geostationary earth orbit (GEO) is free floating, or is being controlled. Using this knowledge, you can then determine the reaction of the object if it comes into contact with a defensive measure.
The tests and simulations preformed using this robotic vehicle can be used to visualize various amounts of maneuvers that a spacecraft can perform. For example, by utilizing two of these vehicles you can model docking maneuvers and servicing missions between two separate spacecraft or view the reactions of contact in space.
Please view the wiki if you would like to see the progress of this project and the challenges we encountered in creating this vehicle.