Microgravity Payload Vibration Isolation System Development

The objective of this paper is to present results of MDA's payload vibration isolation system research and development program. A unique isolation system with passive or active capabilities designed to provide isolation down to 10^-6 g was developed and tested in our 1-g testbed under simulated microgravity conditions. Fluid and electrical umbilicals are also included in the system. The established isolation system performance requirements were met and the testbed data were used to refine our analytical models for predicting flight performance. Simulations using an updated Space Station configuration showed that the payload microgravity requirement can be met by upgrading the hardware from laboratory to flight tolerances and improving the control system design. The next step is to flight test the systems verified in 1 g on the STS/SPACEHAB using a middeck locker size development unit.