A magnetic levitation based low-gravity simulator with an unprecedented large functional volume

Ground-based low-gravity simulators are crucial for research due to the high cost and payload limitations of spaceflight. Magnetic levitation-based simulators (MLS) offer advantages like adjustable gravity and unlimited operation time, but suffer from highly non-uniform force fields. This work presents an innovative MLS design integrating a superconducting magnet with a gradient-field Maxwell coil, achieving an unprecedented functional volume (V1%) of over 4000 µL. The design, using high-Tc superconducting materials, enables long-term operation with minimal energy consumption. Simulating Martian gravity (gM = 0.38g), the functional volume exceeds 20,000 µL.

Hamid Sanavandi, Wei Guo