ZOMM:

Zero-Gravity
Orbital Mass
Measurement

By: Matt Owen, Ben Miller, Toby Dilworth

Problem Statement
Since the International Space Station was launched in 1998,
Astronauts have been conducting a wide array of
experiments to investigate the effects of space and microgravity on living organisms, technology, and scientific
phenomenon. When conducting these experiments,
astronauts do not have an accurate method to mass small
objects including mice under 2 kilograms.

Testing Procedure
General Procedures
Testing begins with putting a known mass into the cage
Begin collecting data
Spin the machine
Values are automatically ported over to computer
Values are run, and mass is calculated

First Prototype
Assembled from
disassembled scale
Not speed controlled
Window motor - spins at
roughly 90 rpm or 9-10
rad/sec
No data logging
Allowed us to get rough
data

First Tests Results

First Tests Results

Problems we Encountered
Unknown radius of center of mass
Vibration/wobble
Measuring instantaneous mass and rotational velocity
Producing a mass from tests
Conversion of scale readouts to force
Dealing with spinning wires

Second Prototype Sensors

Vernier Sensors
Multiple sensors can record
data simultaneously
Software produces
workable raw data
Force Sensor
Precision to 0.001 Newtons
Photogate
Records when gate is
tripped
Can be used to track speed

LabQuest Device
Wireless Capabilities
Touch screen
Battery Powered
Never needs to be
connected to a computer
100,000 sample/sec data
acquisition

Second Prototype Summary

Built new model
Designed to counter issues with wobble and data logging
Changes:
Stabilizer bar
LabQuest for data collection/logging
Photogate sensor to track RPM

LabQuest
Stabilizing
Arm
Force
Sensor

Photogate

Window
Motor
Peg to
trip
photogat
e

Additional Images

Data Collection and Processing

Raw data from LabQuest
Separated Manually and added to two separate text files
Processed in a Java program
Experimental constant to scale mass

Example Graph

Raw Data in Vernier Program

Text Files

Time vs. Force File

Time vs. Photogate

Data Processing
Program written in Java reads in data which is then
manipulated and a mass is output to the terminal

Data Results
Formula for K
Value: K =
Mass /
(Calculated avgNothing)

Data Results

Analysis of Data
Precision not quite to NASA spec
These are all objects of an identical center of mass
There is still a slight wobble which causes oscillations in data
This data is clear proof of concept which shows a strong
correlation
R^2 Value is .999 which proves linearity

Potential Further Steps

Management of center of mass
Script written to automate the creation of text files
PID Speed Control
Proportional Integral Derivative
More precise force sensor
Better container for objects
Mounting for ISS drawer

Thank you for your time.

Questions?