Precision truss structures from concept to hardware reality: application to the Micro-Precision Interferometer Testbed

摘要

Abstract: This paper describes the development of the trussstructure at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory that formsthe backbone of JPL's Micro-Precision Interferometer(MPI) Testbed. The Micro-Precision Interferometer (MPI)Testbed is the third generation of Control StructureInteraction (CSI) Testbeds constructed by JPL aimed atdeveloping and validating control concepts. The MPItestbed is essentially a space-based Michelsoninterferometer suspended in a ground-based laboratory.This instrument, mounted to the flexible truss,requires nanometer level precision alignment andpositioning of its optical elements to achieve scienceobjectives. A layered control architecture, utilizingisolation, structural control, and active opticalcontrol technologies, allow the system to meet itsvibration attenuation goals. Success of the structuralcontrol design, which involves replacement of trussstruts with active and/or passive elements, dependsheavily on high fidelity models of the structure toevaluate strut placement locations. The first step inobtaining an accurate structure model is to build astructure which is linear.!9