For decades, scientists have found creative ways to test gear for use in space — from simulating missions in the ocean to signing up volunteers in Hawaii to consume space food. But, this latest research initiative may take the cake.
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Spacecraft Engineering Department has built a frictionless 37-ton air hockey table to test a new satellite docking system, according to Gizmodo. The one-of-a-kind prototype is part of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Phoenix program, which develops technologies to harvest and reuse parts from older satellites. The system accurately simulates the physics of space and keeps objects suspended in air. A successful docking system would allow older satellites to be moved, repaired or destroyed in space.
“The Naval Research Lab is one of DARPA’s technical agents and integrators for technologies being developed for the Phoenix program. DARPA is funding the testing and integration efforts for Phoenix using multiple facilities across the country, including NRL’s gravity offset table, which NRL developed and funded,” DARPA program manager David Barnhart told Mashable in an email. “The capabilities of NRL’s gravity offset table should enable ground-based testing of various robotic elements, including the Phoenix FREND arm, in a simulated zero G space environment.”
The 20-by-15-foot single granite slab not only lets scientists see how satellites would respond to other objects in space, it also saves the research lab money. With launch costs rising, the alternative to building the almost-frictionless prototype would be a barrage of prototypes launched into orbit.
Has the recent Curiosity Mars Rover mission got you more interested in space? Tell us what you think of this prototype in the comments.
This post has been updated to include comment from DARPA program manager David Barnhart.
[via Gizmodo]
Read more: http://mashable.com/2012/08/09/darpa-air-hockey/
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