Satellite ultraquiet isolation technology experiment (SUITE)

An experimental active vibration isolation called Satellite Ultraquiet Isolation Technology Experiment (SUITE) is described in detail. SUITE is a piezoelectric-based technology demonstration scheduled to fly in 2000 or 2001 on board the PICOSat spacecraft. SUITE is designed to show that the effect of small vibrations on spacecraft instrument effectiveness can be reduced significantly. Control from the ground station is planned for the first year after launch. A description of the PICOSat spacecraft and the other considerations influencing the development of the flight hardware begins the paper. Experiment goals are listed. The mechanical and electromechanical construction of the SUITE hexapod assembly is described, including the piezoelectric actuators, motion sensors, and electromagnetic actuators. The data control system is also described, including the digital signal processor and spacecraft communication. The main features of the software used for real-time control and the supporting Matlab software used for control system development and data processing are summarized. Initial test results are presented.