A six-axis single-stage active vibration isolator based on Stewart platform

This paper reports on a six-axis vibration isolator for space applications. It is divided into three parts. The first part recalls the principles of active isolation and summarizes the main theoretical results for multiple-axis decentralized control based on force feedback. The second part discusses the technology and describes the evolution of the design over the 5 years of this project. The third part is devoted to the identification of the transmissibility matrix and the performance evaluation. Zero-gravity tests in parabolic flight are reported. The isolator is proved efficient in a frequency band between 5 and 400 Hz, with a maximum attenuation of - 40 dB between 50 and 200 Hz.