Analytical and experimental evaluation of impact dynamics on a high-speed zero G motion simulator

In a new stage of the space development, collision and contact tasks under micro-gravity, such as docking, orbital servicing, and touchdown to a minor body, are now increasing. A hybrid motion simulation consisting of both physical and numerical models is an effective method to test the motions of a spacecraft under zero G on the ground. The authors have developed a hybrid zero G motion simulator based on a high-speed parallel link mechanism. Wide response bandwidth and high stiffness of the simulator have made it possible to simulate the contact motions with high precision. In this paper, we evaluate analytically the simulator's characteristics and verify experimentally the impact dynamics on the hybrid motion simulation by comparing it with a collision experiment under zero G in a drop-shaft facility. The results imply that the simulator is highly reliable for the impact dynamics simulation under zero G.