Advanced Isolation and Motion Control for RLV Payloads

Payload planners of earth imaging systems have always struggled with the fundamental problem of designing a delicate, pointing system that survives the severe vibro-acoustic environments of launch. The standard solution is to mass load the spacecraft busand lock down the pointing stage during launch. However, the parasitic mass and unwanted complexity are unacceptable for future RLV systems. CSA Engineering therefore proposes a modular, tunable, dual-use suspension system that protects payloads duringlaunch and positions them on-orbit. The proposed innovatin consists of a suite of modular, reusable active struts arranged in a hexapod configuration that mechanically isolated a payload from structureborne vehicle vibration while providing on-orbitstabilization and pointing. The proposed technology will be the only commercially available long stroke positioning system that combines long stroke isolation and precision pointing. The electromagnetic system offers value for any complex, high-accuracypointing task where isolation in six degrees of freedom is required. The research will develop an engineering demonstration strut, followed by a six degree-of-freedom isolation pointing system. The system will have performance charatertics directlyrelevant to the X-37/X-40/SMV. The developmental effort will produce a product directed towards the X-37/X-40/SMV. CSA will work with Boeing to insure relevance, and CSA will be positioned to deliver the product for early RLV flights. A precisionstabilization derivative product for Internatinal Space Station platforms pallets will be also offered. Component technology will be inserted into commercial communications satellites via established channels. Finally, in the space market, the technologywill be highly appropriate for reconnaissance systems. Airborne platforms such as the Airborne Laser will make use of the combined isolation and pointing. The precision motion control technology will contribute directly to CSA's expanded emphasis on thisarea for precision manufacturing. In combination with a larger corporate partner, CSA will offer new long stroke, high resolution positioning stages for manufacturing.