An evaluation of the whole-spacecraft passive vibration isolation system

Abstract

The launch environment, which typically lasts only a few minutes, is the most severe dynamic environment, that the spacecraft will experience during its normal mission life. Reduction of launch-induced dynamic loads transmitted to the spacecraft will reduce the risk of failure of the spacecraft or its components on orbit, allow more sensitive equipment to be included in missions, and possibly reduce the quality control cost of the spacecraft. In this article, an experimental evaluation of the whole-spacecraft passive isolation system is presented with a demonstration unit consisting of a series of isolator elements inserted in the joints between the adapter and the launch vehicle. The payload attach fitting is treated with constrained viscoelastic layer on the outer surface to increase its damping. The experimental results show that the whole-spacecraft isolation system can decrease the vertical and lateral dynamic responses effectively. The isolation performance is evaluated by the acceleration peak response and the root mean square value in the frequency band from 5 to 150 Hz.