Experimental research for flexible satellite dynamic simulation on three-axis air-bearing table

This article presents a flexible satellite dynamic simulation method on three-axis air-bearing table where large flexible structures are not easy to construct due to gravitational effects. In this simulation method, the flexible dynamic characteristic is achieved by actively exerting flexible emulation moments on the platform. First, the differences between the dynamic models of the rigid three-axis air-bearing table and flexible satellite are illustrated. Then, direct flexible dynamic emulation and model tracking simulation approaches are presented. The system characteristic and stability of these approaches are further analysed. Next, simulation experiments on a three-axis air-bearing table demonstrate the feasibility of the model tracking simulation strategy. Experimental results indicate that the prominent flexible dynamic features of the satellite are implemented on the simulation system. Therefore, this emulation scheme provides an optional approach for air-bearing tables to achieve flexible dynamic characteristic without real structure configuration.