Accurate Microgravity Simulation for Deployable Structures

The need for accurate simulation of a microgravity environment via gravity offloading is a long standing problem. Ideally, a deployable space structure is tested in a microgravity environment, but dedicated on-orbit testing is generally prohibitively expensive. Passive and human assisted off-loader solutions have been used for decades, but introduce undesired forces and inertia onto the structure during testing. As deployable space structures increase in size, weight, and complexity, challenges in being able to simulate a microgravity environment during testing from the stowed to the deployed configuration, continue to grow. This paper defines and achieves accurate microgravity simulation for a deployment by implementing an active Gravity Off-Load Follower (GOLF) system. The GOLF system is then tested and compared with a traditional passive off-loading system using relevant deployable structure simulators.