Provided is a sphere magnetic levitation system having magnetic-aligning devices that magnetically align the position of a sphere levitated by electromagnets according to whether the sphere is levitated, and a method of operating the sphere magnetic levitation system. The sphere magnetic levitation system includes: a sphere; a plurality of electromagnets symmetrically positioned about the sphere and spaced apart from the sphere at equal distances; and a plurality of magnetic-aligning devices provided around the sphere, and coming into contact with the sphere or separated from the sphere by a predetermined distance according to the modes of the system. The system is operated in one mode from among: an idle mode, in which the magnetic-aligning devices are in direct contact with and support the sphere; and an operation mode, in which the magnetic-aligning devices are separated from the sphere and the sphere is levitated and rotated.

An apparatus for development and/or testing of a payload for a satellite, comprising: a payload interface operable to connect to the payload; and a communication link, operable to couple the apparatus with a computer; wherein the apparatus is operable to emulate one or more subsystems of the satellite, such that the behaviour of the payload when connected to the apparatus via the payload interface and communication link is the same as when in the satellite.

An apparatus for development and/or testing of a payload for a satellite, comprising: a payload interface operable to connect to the payload; and a communication link, operable to couple the apparatus with a computer; wherein the apparatus is operable to emulate one or more subsystems of the satellite, such that the behaviour of the payload when connected to the apparatus via the payload interface and communication link is the same as when in the satellite.

A free-falling body verification device for a drag-free spacecraft comprises a spacecraft simulation device (1), used for carrying out free-falling body motion on the ground; an inertial sensor or accelerometer (2), used for measuring the residual disturbance acceleration of the spacecraft simulation device (1); an attitude sensor (3), used for measuring attitude parameters of the spacecraft simulation device (1); a drag-free controller (4), used for processing the residual disturbance acceleration and the attitude parameters so as to obtain a feedback control signal; and a propeller (5), used for generating thrust action applied on the spacecraft simulation device (1) under the control of the feedback control signal, so as to enable the spacecraft simulation device (1) to overcome the residual disturbance of the external environment and maintain the attitude. The space operating environment is simulated by means of the free-falling body motion of the spacecraft on the ground within short time; the inertial sensor or accelerometer (2), the attitude sensor (3), the drag-free controller (4), and the propeller (5) are combined, so that the performance and function test verification for a space drag-free aerospace system is realized in the technical ground environment within short time.

A free-falling body verification device for a drag-free spacecraft comprises a spacecraft simulation device (1), used for carrying out free-falling body motion on the ground; an inertial sensor or accelerometer (2), used for measuring the residual disturbance acceleration of the spacecraft simulation device (1); an attitude sensor (3), used for measuring attitude parameters of the spacecraft simulation device (1); a drag-free controller (4), used for processing the residual disturbance acceleration and the attitude parameters so as to obtain a feedback control signal; and a propeller (5), used for generating thrust action applied on the spacecraft simulation device (1) under the control of the feedback control signal, so as to enable the spacecraft simulation device (1) to overcome the residual disturbance of the external environment and maintain the attitude. The space operating environment is simulated by means of the free-falling body motion of the spacecraft on the ground within short time; the inertial sensor or accelerometer (2), the attitude sensor (3), the drag-free controller (4), and the propeller (5) are combined, so that the performance and function test verification for a space drag-free aerospace system is realized in the technical ground environment within short time.

A space flight simulator includes: a celestial-body-position output unit configured to output three-dimensional positions of extragalactic celestial bodies in space; an observation-position designation unit configured to allow an operator to designate a three-dimensional position and a posture of an observer in extragalactic space; a celestial-body-image arrangement unit configured to determine, based on the output from the celestial-body-position output unit, arrangement of an image of each extragalactic celestial body in a star field seen from the designated three-dimensional position and posture of the observer, and generate a star field image; a cosmic-expansion selection unit configured to allow the operator to perform selection as to whether a cosmic expansion effect is taken into account; a time designation unit configured to designate an observation time; and a cosmic-expansion correction unit configured to correct the three-dimensional position of each extragalactic celestial body based on the cosmic expansion effect and the designated observation time.

A space flight simulator includes: a celestial-body-position output unit configured to output three-dimensional positions of extragalactic celestial bodies in space; an observation-position designation unit configured to allow an operator to designate a three-dimensional position and a posture of an observer in extragalactic space; a celestial-body-image arrangement unit configured to determine, based on the output from the celestial-body-position output unit, arrangement of an image of each extragalactic celestial body in a star field seen from the designated three-dimensional position and posture of the observer, and generate a star field image; a cosmic-expansion selection unit configured to allow the operator to perform selection as to whether a cosmic expansion effect is taken into account; a time designation unit configured to designate an observation time; and a cosmic-expansion correction unit configured to correct the three-dimensional position of each extragalactic celestial body based on the cosmic expansion effect and the designated observation time.

Artificially directing a plurality of space-borne natural bodies to a target accretion region, such that gravitational forces amongst the plurality of space-borne natural bodies within the target accretion region produces an agglomerated space-borne body comprised of at least portions of the plurality of space-borne natural bodies. These teachings will accommodate use of a variety of space-borne natural bodies including asteroids, comets, and moons.

A three degree of freedom hardware in loop simulation system and its working method are provided. A triaxial air-bearing turntable is installed on a support frame. An air bearing support seat provides high-pressure gas lubrication to make an air bearing hemisphere freely roll and rotate. An attitude control system is installed on a test platform, and the platform is placed on an adapter plate, which is placed above the hemisphere. A position limiting protection device has a position limiting ring, which is located below the adapter plate and surrounds the hemisphere. The movement of the ring prevents the platform from deviating beyond a set angle. An automatic leveling device is located below the side of the platform and a leveling device control box is installed on the platform.

A three degree of freedom hardware in loop simulation system and its working method are provided. A triaxial air-bearing turntable is installed on a support frame. An air bearing support seat provides high-pressure gas lubrication to make an air bearing hemisphere freely roll and rotate. An attitude control system is installed on a test platform, and the platform is placed on an adapter plate, which is placed above the hemisphere. A position limiting protection device has a position limiting ring, which is located below the adapter plate and surrounds the hemisphere. The movement of the ring prevents the platform from deviating beyond a set angle. An automatic leveling device is located below the side of the platform and a leveling device control box is installed on the platform.