A sub-hertz vibration isolation platform for a deep space optical communication transceiver

Mechanical resonators have been extensively used to provide vibration isolation for ground based, airborne, and spaceborne payloads. At low frequency, the effectiveness of these isolation systems is determined mainly by designing a mechanical oscillator with the lowest resonant frequency achievable. The Low Frequency Vibration Isolation Platform (LFVIP) reduces the resonant frequency of the mechanical oscillators into the sub-hertz region to maximize the passive isolation. This mechanical system, which has been expressly designed to isolate spacecraft vibrations from a compact deep space optical communication terminal, is based on the Stewart platform topology. Furthermore, the LFVIP provides tip/tilt functionality for acquisition and tracking of an optical beacon signal. An active control system is used for the DC positioning of the platform and the damping of the resonance of the mechanical oscillator. A summary of the LFVIP system, including analysis design, and preliminary results is presented.