Undergraduate Project Defense – Sara Barati

Abstract: This study presents the optimization and hardware upgrade of an existing planar Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) hovercraft system developed for ground-based simulation of spacecraft maneuvers. The work includes the recovery and modernization of the software and hardware infrastructure, migration of the control models from MATLAB 2018 to MATLAB 2023, redesign of the system wiring, and development of an integrated printed circuit board (PCB) for improved power distribution, electrical protection, and reduced wiring complexity. The physical structure of the hovercraft was also investigated with the aim of reducing weight and improving operational stability. The results demonstrate improved physical integrity and continuity of system operation through integrated power and signal routing and the replacement of scattered connections with a dedicated PCB. Further development, including migration of the control software to Python and complete experimental evaluation of the upgraded system, is proposed as future work.