Apparatus for measuring the mass-related characteristics of a body and its application to the measurement of the characteristics of a dry satellite

摘要

A measuring apparatus for determining the mass-related characteristics of a body has a base which supports a receiving table for the body mounted so as to oscillate about an approximately vertical axis on either side of an angular equilibrium position to which the table is returned elastically. The base and the table are provided with an angular position detector and blocking elements. The base is supported by a movable structure which rests on a stand and is mounted so as to oscillate about an adjustable horizontal axis which intersects said vertical axis at an adjustable height on either side of a stable angular equilibrium position. The base and the movable structure are provided with a system for detecting angular position and with means for adjusting the height of the instantaneous horizontal axis of oscillation. The apparatus also has means for positioning and blocking the body with respect to the movable structure.