Automatic Balancing of a Continuously Reconfiguring Rotating System

A two and one half meter diameter centrifuge is a crucial component of the International Space Station (ISS) gravitational research program. It will supply the environment to support research into gravitational effects on plants and animals over the range of 0.01-2.0 g's while scientific control samples can be simultaneously maintained at microgravity levels. Because animals grow and move, unbalances will occur that, without isolation, may result in levels of vibration in the ISS which can affect other science being conducted in the space station. Here we present the results (to the present) of a study which has as its goal the determination of a control strategy which can keep these transmitted forces at or below the required level. We explain the strategy which was fashioned to approach the problem and present results that have been obtained.