The Performance of Mass Properties Measurement for Satellite’s Structural Model

Abstract

This paper focuses on the capabilities of equipment known as Mass Properties Measurement (MPM) to calculate the center of gravity (CG) of a jig or an adaptor, which is used for mounting a structural model of Malaysian satellite, RazakSAT on POI-1000M Spin Balance Machine. The adaptor needs to be designed accurately to precisely accommodate the bolt sizes in both sides of the Device Under Test (DUT) side and the rotary plate side. In other words, the adaptor must be able to act as a good interface plate. A Malaysian research institute, SIRIM Berhad was chosen to undertake the design and manufacturing of the adaptor according to the specifications made by ANGKASA. The list of requirements of MPM should be considered during measurement to have optimum results, so that the satellite fixture onto the rotary table can be preceded for further calculations. Space Electronics (SE), the manufacturer for this MPM machine, has provided the control system for operators to calculate the required measurement such as CG, moment of inertia (MOI) and Product of Inertia (POI). Results confirmed that the simulation and experimental values are successfully obtained.