Survey of hardware-based satellite attitude dynamics simulators

Attitude dynamics simulators are one of the most common facilities utilized in spacecraft attitude and stability researches, because these systems produce a free and unconstrained rotational motion. Therefore, they (spacecraft attitude dynamics simulators) provide a platform to perform practical tests on satellite or spacecraft in easy way. Simulation of space environment (such as frictionless, torque free and unconstrained motion) is the best specification of such devices that help scientists (or specialists, students and space users) to have constrained or unconstrained platforms for three (3) degrees of freedom motions. This paper (article) intends to present a novel classification of satellite (spacecraft) simulators in first phase (level) and then tries to focus on air-bearing-based simulators and presents a survey of them (spacecraft attitude dynamics simulators). Investigation of available sample of satellite simulators and verification of them are the other specifications of this article caused to be a good reference for students and researchers.