Carleton researchers at the Spacecraft Robotics and Control Laboratory are focusing on the development of autonomous guidance, navigation and control (GN&C) technologies that enable challenging spacecraft operations, such as rendezvous and docking, formation flying, on-orbit servicing and robotic capture of space debris and damaged satellites. The centerpiece of this laboratory is a 20,000 pound, 8 feet by 12 feet gravity-offset air bearing table, which emulates the dynamics of space by making use of compressed air to float spacecraft platforms on a flat, smooth, frictionless, large surface area. This unique facility allows researchers to develop and experimentally validate their innovative spacecraft GN&C technologies in a realistic environment.
