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Automated Rendezvous & Docking (AR&D) |
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HOME ::: TEST CAPABILITIES
Test Capabilities
The Flight Robotics Laboratory (FRL) provides a full scale, integrated simulation and hardware-in-the-loop test capability for the support of the design, development, integration, validation and operation of space vehicle systems. The FRL capabilities include supporting the development, evaluation, testing and verification of rendezvous and docking sensor systems and guidance, navigation and control systems. The FRL provides a single facility in which avionics and robotics hardware and software can be tested in a full 6 DOF closed loop simulation. The FRL also provides real-time communication (fiber optics) with the Contact Dynamics Simulation Laboratory (CDSL) for hardware simulation of vehicle maneuvering and docking. The FRL capability includes the following features: Flat Floor, Air Sleds , Dynamic Overhead Target Simulator (DOTS), and the Solar Simulator.
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Flat Floor
This is a 44x86ft precision air bearing epoxy floor, the largest of it’s kind. It supports existing Air Sleds and can support other floating robotic spacecraft hardware.
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Air Sleds
Two self-contained air-bearing spacecraft simulators are available and capable of carrying 400lb payloads. They provide 3 Degrees of Freedom (3DOF) maneuvering and are closed-loop computer controlled for sensor/docking testing. Wireless communication & video is available with real-time displays.
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Dynamic Overhead Target Simulator (DOTS)
An 8 degrees-of-freedom (DOF) overhead gantry, called the Dynamic Overhead Target Simulator (DOTS) provides a 500 pound payload capability for simulating relative motion with respect to a fixed target on the facility floor. Manual, scripts, or closed loop control can be used to follow vehicle simulated flight trajectories.
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Solar Simulator
The solar simulator provides target or sensor illumination to simulate solar lighting conditions. It consists of a 2 Degree of Freedom (DOF) carriage holding 6, 6KVA lights that operate independently or are controlled from DOTS.
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Contact Dynamics Simulation Lab (CDSL)
The Contact Dynamics Simulation Laboratory provides:
- Real-time, hardware-in-the-loop contact dynamics
- Multi-channel data recording
– Graphics representation
- Video recording
- Pilot-in-the-loop operation in a closed loop system
- Full 6 degree-of-freedom capability
- Large operating space
- 20,000 lb payload capability
- Additional capability
- Insight on hardware functionality
- Concept capabilities
- Verification and validation of mathematical representations of hardware
Also, the FRL can be linked to the Contact Dynamics Simulation Laboratory, thereby providing an end-to-end simulation/testing capability from rendezvous to proximity operations to docking/berthing tests.
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300 Meter Tunnel
The 300 meter tunnel provides testing capability for line-of-sight sensors up to a range of 300 meters. The tunnel was used for testing the AVGS for DART and is scheduled for testing a Raytheon Lidar sensor this year. The tunnel has limited access, keeping disturbances to a minimum and with the tunnel being underground the environment is generally constant. |
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