A new position and attitude measurement method for complex shape models with non-circular cross section in magnetic suspension and balance system

In this study, the influence of the position measurement method of a magnetic suspension and balance system (MSBS) for complex models such as a spaceplane was investigated, and a new position measurement method of MSBS for the spaceplane was developed. The new position measurement method can avoid complex shape parts such as wings by placing the sensor camera at 45 degrees rotated position around the x-axis of 1.0-m MSBS. However, the second-order nonlinear position error was found to occur in this position measurement method. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the error of position by correcting the sensor output value (pixels) in which the second-order nonlinear error occurs. We succeeded in levitating the space return model within the calibration range.