Purpose of air table

Before launching a satellite, it is necessary to test the attitude control devices (Magnetic torque, sun sensor, and gyro) on board. Attitude control occurs in all three axes in the frictionless environment of space. This means that the Air table must simulate these aspects of space as accurately as possible in order to properly test the attitude control devices. Air bearing can not satisfy all the requirements of the testing facility, an interface is needed between the satellite and the air bearing, and that is the test bed (jig)

General specifications of air bearing acquired by kyutech:

•  Freedom of rotation in 3 directions
•  Center of rotation stability of ±5-millionths of an inch (near 2 millionths of a cm)
•  Range of motion up to +/- 45 degrees
•  Load capacity from 1 lb. to 150 lbs.(68kg)
•  Operating pressure from 30 psi to 90 psi (206 Kpa to 620 Kpa)

Specific requirements for Kyutech air table:

•  Make an Air table jig where HORYU 4 can be placed (max. 60kg, max. 50cm)
•  Get the gyro data from Air table wirelessly to know the position of our testing satellite
•  Make a software interface for the user to see the data of gyro
  

Design consideration

• In order to accommodate a wide variety of small satellites, the test bed has to be highly adjustable in every dimension
• The center of mass of the entire assembly must be aligned above the center of rotation.
• It is assumed that the center of mass will be located within 20 % of the satellite radius from the
  geometric center