Can simulate the gravity of the moon and Mars, with a 4-second electromagnetic ejection microgravity experimental device running on the ground | gravity | experiment
The device is activated, and the cabin is vertically ejected along the guide rail. After a few seconds, it falls back to the ground, creating a microgravity environment of 4 seconds for the experimental load loaded inside the cabin. Recently, at the Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing New Technology Base, the electromagnetic ejection microgravity experimental device developed and constructed by the Space Application Engineering and Technology Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences started trial operation. The device uses electromagnetic ejection to simulate microgravity, lunar gravity, Martian gravity, and other modes on the ground, providing effective ground validation opportunities for space science experiments.
"Common ground microgravity facilities include sounding rockets, weightless aircraft, dropping towers and electromagnetic microgravity devices. In contrast, electromagnetic microgravity devices have more advantages." Zhang Yongkang, associate researcher of the Electromagnetic Technology Office of the Space Application Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, recounted a series of benefits of electromagnetic microgravity devices: high microgravity level and long time, low operating cost, high experimental efficiency, and controllable experimental environment throughout the experiment.
Through an electromagnetic ejection system, the device can accelerate vertically to a predetermined speed in just 0.7 seconds, and then release. The cabin is in a microgravity environment of one hundred thousandth of a gravitational acceleration during the up and down stages. Through the camera device, it can be seen that the liquid in the beaker inside the device instantly floats into mid air, forming spherical droplets, as if in space.
A single experiment only requires about 1 kWh of electricity, resulting in lower operating costs; The preparation time for the experiment is only 1 to 2 days, and nearly a hundred experiments can be conducted every day, which is significantly better than devices such as parabolic aircraft; The traditional tower landing load has to withstand about 20 gravitational accelerations, and the device is fully controllable. The impact force on the test module and load is not more than 3 gravitational accelerations... "A scientific experiment needs to 'fly', and the cost is very high. The microgravity level provided by the device can reach the microgravity environment of the space station, creating a good experimental site for the verification of space science experiments on the ground." Zhang Yongkang said that the construction of the device took 3 years, and all equipment was independently developed, which has now reached a microgravity time of 4 seconds and 10 μ The international advanced level of microgravity level, overload acceleration not exceeding 5 gravitational accelerations, and experimental interval not exceeding 10 minutes. According to experimental requirements, the device can also simulate specific micro/low gravity levels required, providing support for future deep space exploration missions such as lunar exploration and fire exploration in China.
"Adequate and effective ground verification is the prerequisite and foundation for the smooth conduct of space science experiments in orbit." Zhang Yongkang said that ground-based research can significantly shorten the experimental cycle, reduce experimental costs, and improve the success rate of space experiments, which is an important supplementary means of space-based research. At present, the device has collaborated with relevant units to conduct ground validation experiments in the field of microgravity fluid physics, and a batch of space science instruments are also being docked and tested.
Zhang Yongkang revealed that the Space Application Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences is planning to build a 20 second electromagnetic ejection microgravity experimental device, striving to achieve the international leading target of 20 seconds of microgravity time and 500 kg of load. "In the future, astronauts and even ordinary people are expected to ride this device to experience the feeling of space flight." The 20 second electromagnetic ejection microgravity experimental device will build an international micro/low gravity experimental center, provide scientists in the field of space science with an efficient and convenient ground-based micro/low gravity research platform, and provide relevant technical verification conditions for manned spaceflight, deep space exploration and other major national projects.
