The Space Engineering Research Center (SERC) has led departmental research in the areas of structural dynamics, active materials, and control systems since 1988. Advances in these disciplines have been applied to new telescope concepts such as optical interferometers, precision instrument pointing on future spacecraft, servo-aeroelasticity of fixed and rotating wing aircraft, as well as structural dynamic and human factors issues for the International Space Station (ISS). SERC has conducted an exciting series of Space Shuttle technology experiments starting with the flight of the Middeck 0-Gravity Dynamics Experiment (MODE) which flew on STS-48 in September, 1991 to investigate truss structure and fluid slosh dynamics in micro-gravity. The Middeck Active Control Experiment (MACE) flew on STS-67 in March of 1995 to explore advanced control concepts for attitude and instrument pointing control on future spacecraft. The Dynamic Load Sensor (DLS) experiment flew on STS-62 to acquire a database on the effect of crew push-off loads on the micro-gravity environment of ISS. Reflight of DLS will occur in 1996 when it will be made a permanent facility on the Russian Space Station MIR. Recently, the growth and success of SERC's flight and ground testbed programs have led to the development of two new departmental laboratories which will carry forward and expand upon these main research thrusts: the Active Materials and Structures Laboratory (AMSL) and the Space Systems Laboratory (SSL).
Space Systems Laboratory Director: Dr. David W. Miller
The Space Systems Laboratory (SSL) combines the structural dynamics and control work of the Space Engineering Research Center with departmental expertise in space power, propulsion and systems. The SSL has the mission of developing the technology and systems analysis associated with small spacecraft, precision optical systems, and International Space Station technology research and development. A major activity in this laboratory is the development of small spacecraft thruster systems as well as looking at issues associated with the distribution of function among satellites. In addition, technology is being developed for spaceflight validation in support of a new class of space-based telescope which exploits the physics of interferometry to achieve dramatic breakthroughs in angular resolution. The SSL is a member of NASA's Small Satellite Technology Initiative (SSTI) and New Millennium technology programs.