Quartus supports the design, analysis, and testing of advanced spaceflight systems and understands the importance of evaluating hardware under realistic flight conditions. To support this work, Quartus developed the Space Systems Kinematics Lab (SSKL), a facility capable of performing Three Degrees of Freedom (3DOF) testing to simulate the motion of bodies in space.
The SSKL is equipped with data acquisition and measurement systems that capture system behavior during testing. The lab enables Quartus to design and execute tests that improve understanding of system performance, behavior, and design effectiveness under representative operating conditions.
The SSKL was built for the emerging In-Space Servicing Assembly and Manufacturing (ISAM) industry. It is ideal for the demonstration of RPO (Rendezvous & Proximity Operations), and the contact dynamics, transients, and resultant motions associated with Docking (RPOD). 3DOF float table testing is the standard link between computer simulation and in-space demonstration.
3DOF Float Table
The Space Systems Kinematics Lab contains a 3DOF float table. This large granite table enables low-friction motion, making it well suited for testing contact dynamics, vehicle control systems, deployment mechanisms, and other applications where friction must be minimized to accurately represent system behavior.
- 10′ x 14′ granite table with precision leveling to ensure minimal drift
- Support up to two 1000 kg payloads with a 84″ working height
- Equipped with off loaders to remove undesired loads from the system
Custom Sleds
Quartus has designed two sleds that can easily be interfaced with customer hardware:
- Support up to a 100 kg payload
- Up to 90 minutes of continuous float time
Quartus also has the ability to design custom sleds to meet a customer’s unique testing requirements:
- Support a larger payload
- Increased float time
- Ability to release additional degrees of freedom
Data Acquisition
The Space Systems Kinematics Lab contains multiple data acquisition systems that work together to provide a comprehensive set of data.
- Motion tracking up to 250 Hz with sub-1 mm accuracy. Vicon motion tracking system with 8 cameras
- 4k Video recording. 2 Video cameras with live feed and multiple go pros
- Additional instrumentation. Load cells, accelerometers, and more as needed
Custom Testing & Model Verification
In addition to designing and executing test programs, Quartus has extensive experience developing correlated Model-Based Design (MBD) models using test data to accurately characterize system behavior. Once validated, these models can be used to confidently evaluate system performance across additional operating conditions and test cases without performing additional physical testing.
Test Environment
The Space Simulation Lab was designed to be able to mimic in-space conditions. Available options include:
- Dark room and stark lighting options used to mimic lighting conditions in space
- ISO 8 Cleanroom
- Secure access options to secure hardware during test campaigns
- UR5e robotic arm manipulator