Abstract: The mechanisms, applications and characteristics of different micro/low gravity simulation approaches are introduced in this paper. Key technologies of a multi-DOF spacecraft simulator based on air suspension technology are described. The typical experiment applications of various complex spacecraft including large space manipulator in micro/low gravity simulation environment, such as deployment, formation flying, capture and docking, separation and on-orbit service are elaborated in this paper. At the same time, the methods and characteristics of micro/low gravity training for astronauts are summarized. At last, the future development and applications of micro/low gravity simulation and key technologies that need to be broken through are put forward.

Key words: Micro/low gravity simulation, Air suspension technology, Multi-DOF simulator, Ground experiment of spacecraft