Low Cost Space Shuttle Simulator Supported by Air Bearings

A prototype of space shuttle simulator supported by air bearings is designed and realized. It is controlled in wireless mode through an Arduino board and air nozzles drive the planar motion. The simulator is designed with the intention of creating a demonstration device at “Infini*TO,” the museum of astronomy, space and planetarium in Turin. Particular attention has been given to the choice of components that allow the realization of a low-cost device, usable not only at the museum, but also for events and educational purposes. The preliminary experimental tests carried out highlighted the correct functioning of the global system and a sufficient device ability of movement, adequate to the simulation of a space device motion in microgravity environment.