Aerospace

Satellite components undergo vacuum testing to validate their functionality and reliability in space conditions. These systems are tested for outgassing, thermal performance, and structural integrity under vacuum and temperature extremes. Testing is carried out in vacuum chambers equipped with thermal cycling and monitoring systems to replicate space-like conditions.

• Validate satellite hardware for performance in low-pressure orbital environments
• Confirm thermal behavior and material durability in harsh conditions
• Detect potential issues from outgassing or seal degradation
• Conducted with high-vacuum and Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) Systems with space simulation features

CubeSats are subjected to vacuum testing to evaluate their ability to function effectively in space. This includes assessing the performance of electronics, sensors, and propulsion systems under extreme vacuum and temperature scenarios. Testing takes place within Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) Systems to closely replicate space conditions.

• Test CubeSat systems’ functionality in reduced-pressure environments
• Assess electronic stability and thermal response under space-like conditions
• Identify vulnerabilities from outgassing or material breakdown
• Performed using Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) Systems with thermal cycling

Altitude testing simulates high-altitude, low-pressure conditions to verify the performance and reliability of aerospace components. Avionics and other sensitive instruments are tested in vacuum chambers that replicate elevated altitudes, ensuring proper function under these environmental stresses.

• Simulate high altitude low-pressure environments
• Assess avionics, propulsion systems, and other components under reduced pressure
• Identify potential failure points that could disrupt system function
• Conducted using altitude simulation vacuum chambers with dynamic pressure control

Vacuum bake-out is a method to eliminate volatile contaminants from materials, improving stability and cleanliness. This process involves heating components within a vacuum chamber, which drives off moisture, gases, and impurities that could compromise performance. It’s critical for aerospace systems where outgassing can damage sensitive components.

• Remove moisture, gases, and contaminants from parts
• Maintain material stability and purity, preventing system failures
• Safeguard components from degradation caused by outgassing
• Performed in specialized Bake-Out Systems with precise thermal control

Environmental testing replicates extreme space-like conditions by recreating both extreme temperatures and low-pressure environments. This testing confirms that aerospace components, including satellites and avionics, can endure the harsh conditions of space, maintaining their performance and longevity.

• Simulate space-like conditions with temperature and vacuum extremes
• Validate performance of components such as sensors and electronics
• Assess material stability and resistance to environmental stress
• Conducted using Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) Systems with advanced vacuum control

Space simulation testing replicates the vacuum and temperature conditions of space. This type of testing is essential for confirming the durability and functionality of satellites, scientific instruments, and other space-related technologies. High vacuum chambers simulate the low-pressure environment of space, while temperature cycling ensures the material’s ability to endure drastic temperature changes.

• Replicate space conditions with vacuum and thermal extremes
• Assess system performance and reliability under simulated space conditions
• Evaluate material stability and resistance to outgassing
• Performed with high vacuum chambers and temperature cycling systems

Vacuum impregnation is utilized to seal and protect porous materials, filling voids with resin under vacuum to preserve the structural integrity of components used in aerospace applications. Seal porous materials with resin under vacuum to maintain structural integrity

• Prevent contamination and reinforce part durability
• Shield parts from environmental factors such as moisture
• Performed in vacuum chambers with controlled resin infusion

Aircraft air conditioning systems are tested for leaks to verify performance over the life of the product. Helium leak detection is performed using both sniffing and hard vacuum methods.

• Detect leaks that could compromise system operation
• Validate the seal of critical aircraft air conditioning components
• Prevent cooling system failures
• Tested with helium mass spectrometer leak detection technology

Leak testing is performed on crucial aircraft instruments and components to ensure they stay sealed and free from contaminants that could impair performance. Helium leak testing methods are the primary technology used.

• Confirm that instruments and components remain leak-free
• Safeguard the functionality of avionics and other critical systems
• Prevent system failures caused by compromised seals
• Performed using Helium mass spectrometer technology

Space simulation with Ascent Ultra-Low Temperature (ULT) Chillers verifies that aerospace components can withstand extreme temperature fluctuations found in space. This testing exposes components to both high and low temperatures, mimicking the thermal stress encountered during space missions. Integrated with Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) Systems, chillers allow engineers to monitor system behavior under varying temperature conditions.

• Simulate the temperature fluctuations that occur in space
• Test the reliability of systems across both cold and hot environments
• Analyze material stability and expansion/contraction under thermal stress
• Conducted using Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) Systems with integrated Ascent ULT Chillers