A simulation platform for small solar system bodies' gravity using the Einstein-Elevator

Area of Science:

• Planetary Science
• Astrophysics
• Space Engineering

Background:

• Small solar system bodies (SSSBs), including asteroids and comets, are crucial for understanding planetary formation and evolution.
• Studying SSSBs on Earth is challenging due to the difficulty in simulating their low-gravity environments.
• Missions like OSIRIS-REx and Rosetta highlight the increasing importance of SSSB research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a method for simulating partial gravity conditions (10^-2 to 10^-4g) for SSSBs on Earth.
• To enable the study of SSSB characteristics and behavior under controlled, simulated low-gravity environments.
• To provide a proof of concept for adjustable gravity generation in drop tower facilities.

Main Methods:

• An acceleration system using servo motors and spindle axes was designed to simulate partial gravity.
• A comet-like sample was subjected to accelerations within a vacuum chamber (10^-6 mbar).
• The setup was installed and tested within the Einstein-Elevator facility.

Main Results:

• The system successfully generated gravity levels from 10^-2g down to 10^-3g.
• Maximum deviations during acceleration were ±5 x 10^-4g.
• Experiment durations of at least 2.5 seconds were achieved at 10^-2g, with a planned minimum of 3.5 seconds at 10^-4g.

Conclusions:

• The developed system effectively simulates partial gravity conditions relevant to SSSBs.
• This approach provides a viable method for conducting SSSB experiments on Earth.
• The proof of concept paves the way for future research into SSSB activity under simulated partial gravity.