Small Sat Simulated Space Environment MagLev Testbed

Abstract

Development of a ground-based planar testbed with a near frictionless, vacuum environment for small spacecraft allows for higher fidelity, 3 degree of freedom (3DoF) testing of fully integrated propulsion systems and control algorithms prior to launch. This provides empirical data at a relatively low cost that can be used to reduce risk of on-orbit failures thereby mitigating contributions of small spacecraft to the growing orbital debris issue.