An innovative method for simulating microgravity effects through combining electromagnetic force and buoyancy

•Proposed and built a novel magnetism–buoyancy hybrid micro-G simulation system.•The micro-G level is two orders of magnitude higher than the buoyancy method alone.•6-DOF motion can be realized accurately in the micro-G simulation environment.

This paper proposes an innovative method for simulating space microgravity effects. The new approach combines the neutral buoyancy and the electromagnetic force on the tested-body to balance the gravity and simulate the microgravity effects. In the paper, we present in some detail the magnetism–buoyancy hybrid microgravity simulation system, its components, functions and verification. We describe some key techniques such as ground-space similarity, the homogenization of electromagnetic field, the precise control of microgravity effects in dynamic environment, measurement in the hybrid suspension system. With this innovative microgravity simulation system, we prove through experiments and tests that our innovative method is feasible and effective and that the simulation fidelity is even higher than the neutral buoyancy system.