The Challenges of Using Drones as a Microgravity Testing Platform

Reduced apparent weight environments generally require access to rare and costly equipment and infrastructure; drones provide greatly more accessible and affordable access. Past research into the use of drones as an alternative to existing systems have generally focused on a single vehicle for each case, with much of the effort being placed on system design, control algorithms, or payload integration. This work introduces a methodology to size drones and the trajectories they follow based on a series of user requirements , including the duration and level of reduced apparent weight. Kinematic and aerodynamic models are combined to create a range of constraints, ultimately leading to a design point in which the drone and trajectory can be sized, and created . The models developed apply regardless of payload, drone, or conditions required. An experimental technique to perform reduced apparent weight missions is introduced. Flights are performed and show a strong link between aerodynamic models and flight logs. A range of g-levels are targeted, showing the system’s ability to reach partial-g conditions. The measured g-quality is poor, resulting from the firmware’s built in position controller. Further improvements to the g-quality and g-duration achievable would require development of a new controller.