The Space Systems Laboratory (SSL), part of the Space Engineering Research Center (SERC) in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was founded in 1995. 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. The laboratory encompasses expertise in structural dynamics, control, thermal, space power, propulsion, MEMS, software development and systems. 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 objective of the Laboratory is to explore innovative concepts for the integration of future space systems and to train a generation of researchers and engineers conversant in this field.
SPACE FLIGHT PROGRAMS: The SSL 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 the most comprehensive 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. The SSL was a co- Investigator on the Shuttle Wake Shield facility and on the SAMPIE experiment on STS-62 which studied high voltage solar cells. The SSL also has experience with free-flying experiments. The SSL was a co-Investigator on BMDO's AMASS program to demonstrate active solar panel damping. The SSL has also teamed with the M.I.T. Center for Space Research to study the ETA series of satellites for interferometric detection of gamma bursts.
LABORATORY FACILITIES: Several world-class facilities comprise the SSL. The Middeck Active Control Experiment (MACE) facility provides students, staff and faculty with a state-of-the-art facility for the conduct of structural system identification and control experiments. The high bay, clean room environment accommodates a low frequency electric-pneumatic suspension system, signal processing data analyzers, and several realtime computers for LTI and adaptive control. The Interferometry facility consists of the testbeds and support equipment necessary for conducting nanometer and sub-arcsecond phasing and pointing control commensurate with the needs of space-based visible interferometry. Testbeds include a 3.5 meter tetrahedral truss structure and a pointing-phasing optics bench. Support equipment includes laser interferometers, delay lines, siderostats, piezoelectric actuators, realtime computers, and miscellaneous optics. The ASTROVAC facility provides a 10-5 torr quality vacuum test chamber with a diameter of 12 feet and a height of 16 feet. Thermal, free- fall, clean room, and metrology capabilities are also provided. The CASL facility is a state-of- the-art computational facility for studies ranging from orbital mechanics to rarefied gas dynamics.
PROGRAM PARTICIPATIONS: The SSL is a member of NASA's Small Satellite Technology Initiative (SSTI), New Millennium Program, and International Space Station Technology Testbed Program. The Laboratory also has ties with the M.I.T. Lincoln Laboratory, NASA Langley, JPL and the Air Force Phillips Laboratory as well as the Departments of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering at M.I.T. and aerospace industries such as Draper, TRW, Lockheed-Martin, MDA and Hughes.
David W. Miller, Sc.D.
Space Systems Laboratory, Director
Room 37-371
M.I.T.
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 253-3288 (TEL)
(617) 258-5940 (FAX)
millerd@mit.edu