Application fields

Principle

Starting from attitude commands, a calculator is used to builds sky images (star constellations from star catalogue or customised pattern). These images are sent to an opto-mechanical assembly (OMA) which includes a micro-display component and a collimating optical system. The OMA is mounted in front of the sensor optical head and acts like a dynamic planetarium.

One product, three main components

STOSPilot

The STOS main application software is a very powerful and user-friendly application which enables simulating stars in a very realistic way. It includes simulation of main disturbances the sensor can find in orbit: Sun blinding, Moon stray lght, planets, extended objects masking stars, satellites or debris crossing the field of view, protons impacts on detectors and even dynamic stray light or background predefined images.

Characteristics

OMA DISPLAY

Microdisplay

LCOS technology with standard DVI /HDMI video input interface. Up to 225Hz monochrome image refresh rate with 1280 x 1024 pixel resolution

CALCULATOR

PC / Software

STOSPilot application is running under Windows XP or W7 on a standard PC. Distance between PC and OMA can be as long as 20m (65 ft) or even more if required.

CONTROLS

Local Remote

Through Windows dialog boxes or command files (for complex dynamics)For close loop testing, attitude commands can be sent with a refresh rate up to 128 Hz through a standard Ethernet link.

IMAGE CONTENT & QUALITY

Star catalogue

Any sensor catalogue containing star position and instrumental magnitude can be used.

Star magnitudes

Useful range is as at least 4.5 magnitudes large. In this range, maximum typical error is usually lower than 0.2 mag. Offset is adjusted by software (brightest star is usually set around magnitude1.5 so that the faintest star is about magnitude 6.0).

Field of view

FOV is optimized for 25 deg in diameter which is compatible with most STR in the market.

Alignment

Residual bias is lower than 0.001 deg after fine alignment is performed.

Star position

Error in star positioning is less than 0.005 deg for more than 90% of stars.

Dynamics

Motions up to 18 deg /s can be simulated. No constraint on acceleration.

Synchro /Delay

In remote control mode, the typical delay between command reception and the corresponding image update is around 60 ms. Thanks to internal attitude buffering and temporal interpolation, when commands are periodic there is no time jitter.

Planets & bodies

Planets, satellites or debris can be simulated like additional stars (up to 32) or extended objects (up to 16). International Space Station (ISS) masking stars is simulated like an extended object.

Moon

For best rendering including masking area and stray light, a specific model is provided.

Background Stray light

Stray light can be simulated with uniform grey levels [0 - 255] or using specific dynamic Earth or Sun models. Use of background images to simulate a background movie is also available.

Protons

Impact of protons in image degradation (direct or streak impacts) is dynamically simulated with up to 8192 events per image.

Satellites & debris

Up to 128 satellites or debris with random linear trajectories can be simulated

OPERATING CONDITIONS

Temperature

-10°C to 35°C (14°F to 95°F) in ambient pressure conditions (1 bar)

Humidity

5% to 90% (non-condensing)

Cleanness

sensor optics and baffle are protected. Compatible with use in clean-room.

Vacuum

Compatible with use in vacuum when OMA chassis is thermally controlled in the range [-5°C, +10°C] (from 23°F to 50°F)

DIMENSIONS &WEIGHT

µSTOS

<2 kg (total weight to be mounted on top of baffle) with typical dimensions diameter 0.2m, length 0.35m Up to 20m distance or even more between calculator and the opto-mechanical assembly

With the µSTOS, “end to end” indoor star tracker testing has become reality

Simulations are very realistic:

The µSTOS package includes a very powerful software with high level of image rendering.

The µSTOS is compatible with most star trackers:

The same stimulator can be reused to stimulate and possibly compare various star sensors : only the interface mounting device and possibly the OMA baffle length are specific to a given sensor.

The µSTOS is easy to install and operate:

Its light weight enables direct and safe mounting on top of sensor baffle. µSTOS can be used during all integration steps, from “flat-sat” until late operations on launch pad.

The µSTOS is easy to align:

No mechanical alignment procedure is required. Fine alignment is completely done by software using a simple star alignment pattern or real sky constellation. Whenever sensor telemetry is available, the STOSPilot integrated self-alignment function makes alignment very fast and precise.

The µSTOS is easy to control:

Use of dialog boxes or local command file is user friendly. Thanks to a simple protocol and free source sample codes (STOSClient application), developing a user remote control application has also become very easy.

Useful additional tools

STOSPilot includes post-processing capabilities:

Attitudes and other commands are recorded in such a manner that the file containing recorded data can be used as a command file to replay the test sequence or to perform fine analysis the simulation image by image.

STOSCmdTool enables controlling multiple headed sensors:

This application accepts spacecraft attitudes and uses them to control multiple stimulators accordingly with the geometrical configuration of optical heads on the spacecraft platform.

Download

Call for additional information:       philippe.vidal@astrium.eads.net

Through Windows dialog boxes or command files (for complex dynamics)

For close loop testing, attitude commands can be sent with a refresh rate up to 128 Hz through a standard Ethernet link.

Airbus Defence and Space is contributing to Europe’s MERMIG project which will use the very latest advances in nanotechnology to create an optical micro-gyroscope prototype with significantly reduced dimensions.

The aim of the MERMIG project (Modular CMOS Photonic Integrated Micro-Gyroscope) is to build an optical micro-gyroscope prototype based on the latest innovations in nanotechnology, more specifically silicon nanophotonics. Taking advantage of the proposed technological breakthroughs to achieve significantly reduced dimensions, the main sensor specifications are as follows:

This technology-intensive project has achieved significant advances in the modelling of guided-wave optical components, which are at the heart of the technology. A complete multiphysics approach to silicon optical nanostructure, considering non-linear optics, thermal and stress effects, was carried out to outline the fundamental design rules and achieve an efficient gyrochip, able to meet industrial needs.

A specific gyro chip packaging process has been developed, with specific attention paid to the optical feedthrough and thermal dissipation, in order to assure the gyrochip’s performance over the lifetime of a space mission.

The seven European project partners* have designed, built and integrated the different modules (Laser, Gyro Chip and Readout modules) in a first breadboard.

Such technology enables the development of a new line of micro-gyroscopes capable of withstanding the harsh environments of telecommunications missions in geostationary orbit, as well as the mass constraints typical of rovers used in robotic exploration.

MERMIG was supported by the European Commission under the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7 - Space).

For more information, visit www.mermig-space.eu/

*Constelex Technology Enablers (Greece), Airbus Defence and Space (France), DAS Photonics (Spain), Modulight (Finland), IHP Microelectronics (Germany), the Polytechnic University of Valencia (Spain) and the Polytechnic University of Bari (Italy)

A comprehensive range of EMC chambers, test rooms, and equipment.

Airbus Defence and Space test laboratories have a wide range of the latest technology in EMC test equipment to cover all of your test needs.

We have many years of experience providing EMC testing and have developed our facilities and expertise to provide accurate testing for military, commercial and space products.

Our broad range of facilities and flexible engineers allow testing to be carried out both on site and remotely with our mobile test equipment.

--> Emissions Testing from 20Hz to 40 GHz

--> Susceptibility Testing from 20Hz TO 40GHz up to field levels of 150V/m

--> Pre-compliance test for a majority of commercial standards

--> 10m CISPR 16 Semi-Anechoic Chamber

--> 3m CISPR 16 Semi-Anechoic Chamber

--> Mil Std 461 Test Chambers

--> General Purpose Screened Rooms

--> Dimensions: 3m(L) x 3.8m(W) x 2.7m(H)

--> Access: Single personnel door

--> Screening Effectiveness: Better than 100dBup to 40GHz

--> Air conditioned

--> Tests accommodated:

--> Military (MIL 461)

--> Dimensions : 4m(L) x 4m(W) x 4.5m(H)

--> Access : Single and Double Personnel doors.

Double: 3.0m x 3.0m

--> Screening Effectiveness : Better than 100dB up to

40GHz

--> Air conditioned

--> Class 3 (100,000 clean room standard)

--> Tests accommodated:

--> Military (MIL 461)

A multi-purpose Fully or Semi-Anechoic Test Facility:

--> 10m CISPR 16 Semi-Anechoic Chamber

--> Spherical Antenna Test Range

--> Dimensions: 30m(L) x 15m(W) x 15m(H)

--> Turntable: 8m Diameter. 10 tonne static loading, 2

tonne rotation loading.

--> Access: 8m x 8m Swing Doors, External Hydraulic

Lift for seamless entry of equipment up to 10 tonne.

Single personnel door also.

--> Screening effectiveness: Better than 100dB below

18GHz, Better than 60dB from 18 to 40GHz

---> Air Conditioned

--> Class 3 (100,000 clean room standard)

--> Adjacent Screened Control/Support test chamber

A range of shakers with advanced digital control and analysis systems.

An impressive range of vibration facilities enable us to test a wide range of products ranging from component level, to large payloads of several tonnes.

A variety of shakers, with up to 36,000lbf (160kN) of thrust that allow a great deal of flexibility to meet our customer requirements. Test procedures are tailored to suit the specific test needs of a product. We can achieve complex test profiles and levels to suit each individual unit.

The shakers are driven by sophisticated digital controllers capable of sine, random and shock profiles in three dimensions.Multiple channels of data may be recorded and analysed in real time from our control room. Our latest system allows up to 64 channels of data to be analysed simultaneously.

Cleanliness Environment Class 2 10,000: Moveable Hood Dimensions 4m x 3.4m x 4.1m high.

Capabilities--> Maximum Acceleration : 100g--> Maximum Thrust : 160,000N (36,000lbf)

Ling Dynamics V980 Vibrator--> Max Thrust : 160,000N (36,000lbf)--> Frequency Range : 5- 2000Hz--> Max Acceleration : 100g--> Max Displacement :  ±12mm--> Hydrostatic Slip Table: 1.525 x 1.525 m--> Head Expander : 1.22m Diameter

Ling Dynamics V964 Vibrator--> Max Thrust : 75,260N (16,900lbf)--> Frequency Range : 5– 3000Hz--> Max Acceleration : 100g--> Max Displacement :  ±12mm--> Hydrostatic Slip Table : 0.61x 061m--> Head Expander : 0.762m Diameter

Derritron VP2500 Vibrator--> Max Thrust : 111,200N (25,000lbf)--> Frequency Range : 5- 2100Hz--> Max Acceleration : 100g--> Max Displacement :     ±12mm--> Head Expander : 0.762m Diameter

Derritron VP1200 Vibrator--> Max Thrust : 55,600N (12,500lbf)--> Frequency Range : 5- 3000Hz--> Max Acceleration : 100g--> Max Displacement :     ±12mm--> Hydrostatic Sliptable : 0.61x0.61m

M+P International VXI Controller--> 32 Channel Analysis System--> Sine, Random and shock control and analysis

M+P International VXI Controller--> Portable 16 Channel Analysis System

M+P International VXI Controller--> 64 Channel Analysis System--> Sine, Random and Shock control and analysis

An extensive range of high-quality thermal vacuum chambers.

Simulating the severe conditions of space, the computer-controlled Thermal Vacuum chambers can subject units to the extremes of their working environment, mimicking the night and day experienced by the spacecraft as it moves in and out of sunlight. The chambers can cycle temperature from 100°C to -196°C whilst simultaneously maintaining a space vacuum of at least 1.3E-5 mbar.

An extensive range of hermetically sealed connector feedthroughs enable units to be powered and tested whilst enduring thermal vacuum simulation. The temperature of the test item can be constantly monitored and recorded throughout the test campaign with the use of multiple T-Type thermocouples connected to a state of the art data logger, which also logs the pressure of the chamber.

Test temperatures, dwell times and ramp rates are fully customisable to enable a wide range of products to be tested to specific customer requirements.

Capabilities--> Temperature Range: -196°C to +100°C--> Pressure: <1.3E-5 mbar

Thermal Vacuum Chambers (x4)--> Balzers, type RSK 1500 (x2)--> Leybold, type VS 1677 (x2)--> Maximum Unit Size: H 0.8m x W 0.75m x D 1.25m--> Temperature Range: -60°C to +100°C or -196°C bymeans of Liquid Nitrogen.--> 4 x Port Holes 0.15m diameter

Lintott Chamber--> Maximum Unit Size: H 0.3m x W 0.5m x D 0.5M--> Temperature Range: -90°C to +100°C--> 2 x Port Holes 0.15m diameter

Data Logger--> 32 thermocouple channels per chamber. ExtraChannels can be provided on request.

Facilities to suit all test subjects with total control over temperature and humidity.

With an ability to simulate extreme climatic conditions (Hot, Cold, Dry and Damp) units can be rigorously tested to reproduce their intended environment.

The test facility has the ability to constantly purge items under test with nitrogen gas, to ensure no condensation/icing occurs across the chambers full temperature range.

The Chambers Temperature and Humidity (RH%) can be constantly monitored and recorded throughout the test campaign via the test labs data logger, which also has the ability to monitor and record numerous T-type thermocouples that can be attached to the unit.

Test Temperature and Humidity profiles are independently customisable, enabling a wide range of climatic conditions to be tailored to specification requirements.

Data Logging--> 1 x Rotronic Temperature and Humidity probe--> 32 x T-Type thermocouple channels. Extra channels can be provided on request

Temperature and Humidity Chamber -->Temperature Range: -40°C to +100°C--> Typical Rate of Change: 2°C/min--> Dimensions: 1.2m x 1.3m x 1.2m--> Feedthrough Ports : 2 x 0.12m diameter--> Humidity Controlled

A wide range of shock tests, drop tests, and data analysis.

The shock test facilities have been developed to reproduce the mechanical shock environments that occur when pyrotechnic devices are fired during spacecraft launch and deployment operations.

There are two main facilities available and are selected depending on the test levels required and unit size. The facilities have a flexible design and can be tailored to suit individual customer requirements based on the nature of the testing, variety of units and shock levels required. The facilities are continually being expanded and upgraded to suit all types of test units.

The shock rigs main components are a hammer and resonant plate. The shocks are produced via a free falling mass (hammer) striking an anvil attached to the ringing or resonant plate. The test article is attached, usually directly, to the ringing plate.

Half-sine shocks can also be produced using a free-fall drop rig.

Classical shock profiles are generated using conventional electro-dynamic vibration systems.

General Performance Details--> Frequency Range: 10 Hz to 10 kHz, higher frequencies may be analysed depending on customer requirements.--> Shock Response Spectrum (SRS) acceleration levels: 1 kHz to 10 kHz, 4000g. 2 kHz to 10 kHz, 8000g.--> Equipment mass: up to 45kg.--> 5m drop test system.--> Drop shock half sine.

Equipment capable of centre of gravity and inertia measurements.

Airbus Defence and Space can accurately determine the centre of gravity and moment of inertia of complex units up to 1500kg at our facilities in Portsmouth. These properties are essential to space system design and are calculated from measurements carried out on our mass, centre of gravity and moment of inertia facilities.

Mass Measurement--> Oertling MD60, maximum weight – 60kg--> Avery Load Cell, maximum weight – 250kg

Centre of Gravity Measurement--> Schenck WS12, maximum load – 40kg--> Schenck WS50/6, maximum load – 1500kg

Moment of Inertia Measurement--> Schenck M1, maximum load – 10kg--> Schenck WS50/6, maximum load -1500kg

The UKAS accredited test facility was developed to simulate aircraft acceleration. It offers functional and structural testing subjecting items to inertial forces up to 50g. Payloads of up to 50kg can be accommodated. The centrifuge has a maximum rotational speed of 180rpm.

General Equipment Specifications--> 3 metre diameter.--> 35 slip rings.--> 50g acceleration limit.--> 50kg weight limit.

Airbus Defence and Space offer a complete suite of Dynamic, Thermal, and EMC testing facilities.

0093

Our extensive range of facilities provide customers with a ‘one stop’ test house capable of handling products from mobile phones to spacecraft payloads. Our services cover a variety of environmental simulation tests (including thermal vacuum, vibration, and shock), as well as Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) tests.

We have been conducting tests at our Portsmouth site for over forty years. This experience has allowed us to create one of the most well-equipped and expertly staffed facilities of its kind.

The Vibration, Shock, Thermal, Climatic and Centrifuge facilities are UKAS accredited and fully backed by consultancy support.

Complete suite of Dynamic, Thermal, and EMC testing facilities

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How to find us

How to contact us

Email: evt@astrium.eads.net

Phone: 023 92 705014Fax: 023 92 708278

The CMCU is a high-performance 10.23 MHz master clock generation unit for satellite navigation systems.

Two frequency synthesizers can select independently between two input 9.99 to 10.01 MHz Atomic Clock frequencyreferences as a basis for the master clock generation. One of the two synthesizer outputs is selected to provide the master clock for the payload and is distributed to up to four identical outputs. The output signal of the second synthesizer provides a hot redundant alternative for the master clock with seamless switching (no distortion of the output signal). A phase meter monitors the output phase of the active synthesizer against the hot redundant one. Maximum reliability is achieved through a design without microcontroller. The TM/TC interface is implemented as hard wired logic and can be addressed by serial and high level commands. A phase synchronous output switching between active and redundant synthesizer is available. Optional features like parameter-based clock drift compensation or synthesizer adaptation to source characteristics can be implemented. The CMCU can be operated with rubidium, passive hydrogen maser and caesium clocks to form a complete timing subsystem. The CMCU in the Galileo configuration operates with passive hydrogen maser and rubidium clocks.

Power bus

26–48.5 V (adaptable)

Clock inputs

9.99...10.1 MHz (adaptable) 5..13 dBm

Analogue, digital and thermistor inputs for clock telemetry

Output signal

10.23 MHz, -1...7 dBm (adaptable)

Control & monitoring

MIL-STD-1553B or RS422 high level command.

Discrete analogue & digital telemetry.

Temperature:

Operating

-15 °C to +45 °C

Non-operating

-40 °C to +60 °C

Radiation tolerance:

up to 100 kRad

Reliability

0.9927 over 12 years

CMCU block diagram

Download Product Sheet

Test Services offer a complete suite of cutting edge Dynamic, Thermal and Radio Frequency testing. The extensive range of facilities provide customers with a ‘One Stop’ test house capable of handling products from a range of Industries.

Heritage

We have been conducting environmental and structural testing at Stevenage for over 60 years. This extensive experience has enabled us to build one of the most well equipped and expertly staffed facilities of its kind. The test facilities include structural, vibration, shock, thermal vacuum, climatic, static and high powered RF testing in vacuum, to support qualification of components, equipments, mechanisms, structures and antennas. The cutting edge test facilities and skills at Stevenage have enable us to qualify high quality products for the space industry. We have a proven in-orbit reliability in space for many decades. We can offer these skills and services to users in any field of engineering to aid their product development.

Contact Details & How to find us

For any enquires please feel free to contact the relevant people and we’ll be happy to help.

Head of Spacecraft Test & Launch ServicesGreg RichardsonEmail: Greg.Richardson@astrium.eads.netPhone +44 14 3877 3386

Head of Environmental TestTrevor GroverEmail: Trevor.Grover@astrium.eads.netPhone +44 14 3877 3150

Head of Structural TestLloyd MarshallEmail: Lloyd.Marshall@astrium.eads.netPhone +44 14 3877 8151

Airbus Defence and Space Ltd

Gunnels Wood RoadStevenageHertfordshireSG1 2ASUnited KingdomTel: + 44 (0) 23 92 70 5014Fax: + 44 (0) 23 92 70 8278

The EVT climatic facilities consist of five climatic chambers (specifics & capabilities listed below). Each is located within the EVT laboratory alongside our thermal vacuum facilities. Their varied sizes, temperature capabilities and access ports allow us to cater for a large variety of thermal testing requirements.

Four are cryogenic rated and use liquid Nitrogen as a direct cooling method. We also have a Humidity controlled chamber which maintains less extreme temperatures. Each of our climatic facilities are fully programmable and automated using advanced Eurotherm controllers. Combine this with our data logging facilities and the scenarios we can cater for are unlimited.

Tiger - Cryogenic

Internal Dimensions: 600mm3Temperature Range: +180°C / -180°CMax temperature Rate: 10-15°C/min*Controller: Eurotherm 2704

Rhino - Large Cryogenic

Internal Dimensions:H= 3600mm W= 4800mm D= 3600mmTemperature Range: +180°C / -160°CMax temperature Rate: 2.5-5°C/min*Controller: Eurotherm 2704

Cryo Montford - Cryogenic

Internal Dimensions:H= 600mm W= 900mm D= 600mmTemperature Range: +180°C / -180°CMax temperature Rate: 5-10°C/min*Controller: Eurotherm 2704

Fissions - Humidity

Internal Dimensions: 1000mm3Temperature Range: +150°C / -70°CMax temperature Rate: 2°C/min*Controller: Eurotherm 2704

Hippo - Cryogenic

Internal Dimensions: 1500mm3Temperature Range: +200°C / -180°CMax temperature Rate: 2.5-5°C/min*Controller: Eurotherm 2704

Click to enlarge

There are two vibration facilities available at Stevenage capable of delivering 160 kN and 40kN of dynamic force, in 3 orthogonal axes. This enables us to test a wide range of products ranging from small components of a few grams, up to large payloads of several tonnes. Both vibration tables are driven by the latest digital controllers capable of sine, random and shock profiles that can excite at levels from 0.1 to 100g up to 2000 Hz.

Multiple channels of data may be recorded and analysed in real time from our control room. The latest system allows up to 120 channels of data to be analysed simultaneously. Or with the addition of a second recorder, a further 40 channels can be added.

Facilities

Ling Electronic Industries C340 Vibrator (Large Shaker)

Max. Thrust: 160,000 N ( 36,000 lbf )Frequency Range: 5 - 2000 HzMax. Velocity: 1.9m/s ( 74.8 in/s )Max. Displacement: ± 19 mmHydrodynamic Slip Tables expandable from 1.2 m x 1.2 m to 2.4 m x 1.52 m using outrigger bearings.Head Expanders from 0.61m to 1.06m Diameter with Hydrodynamic Guidance System and Pneumatic Mass-Cancelling SystemAcceleration up to 100 g

Ling Dynamic Systems V954 Vibrator (Small Shaker)

Max. Thrust: 40,000 N ( 9,000 lbf )Frequency Range: 5 - 2000 HzMax. Velocity: 1.77m/s ( 70 in/s )Max. Displacement: ± 12mmHydrodynamic Slip Table 0.91m x 0.61mHead Expanders from 0.35m Diameter to 0.51m squareAcceleration up to 100 g

M+P International VIBCO Controller x 2 off

120 and 40 Channel Analysis System.Sine, random and shock control and analysis.

Data Channels

72 channels of Data Physics real time shock and vibration data capture46 Channels of Strain Instrumentation18 Channels of Force InstrumentationUp to 120 + 40 channels of acceleration instrumentation

The environmental test Lab has a brand new, state of the art control room. Here the seven thermal vacuum chambers can be controlled remotely via PC and networked Eurotherm / Specview control system.

The chambers are capable of subjecting the test units to the extremes of their working environment, simulating the severe conditions of space (-196˚C to +150˚C). The temperature of the test item is controlled via thermal conduction plates and radiative shrouds. If required, additional zones can be created in-accordance with test requirements, each of these zones have independent thermal control.

During testing, the test item may be powered up and signals can be analysed outside the chamber by means of power and data feed-through cables. All data is recorded via our Specview data logging system. This data can be analysed during the test without interrupting the test and extracted as an excel file at the end of the test.

Facilities

Ultra-High Vacuum Chambers ( x 2 )

Torr: <1*10-5Dimensions: 1.3m x 1.0m diameterTemperature Ranges: -170˚C to +150˚C using liquidnitrogen. -60˚C to +100˚C using fluid refrigerationsystemOil free roughing pump, Cryogenic main pump &backup turbo pump on UPS.Computer Controlled Heating System

1.5 m x 1.5 m Vacuum Chambers ( x 3 )

Torr: <1*10-5Temperature Ranges:»» (1) -65˚C to +120˚C (4 independent Mini-Shrouds)»» (2) -50˚C to +120˚C»» (3) -170˚C to +140˚CLauda Fluid Refrigeration SystemOil free roughing pump & Cryogenic main pumpComputer Controlled Heating System

2.2 m x 2.2 m Vacuum Chambers ( x 2 )*

Torr: <1*10-5Temperature Range: -170˚C to +100˚CLiquid Nitrogen cooled baseplate and shroud systemElectrically heated baseplate and shroud systemCold trapOil free roughing pumps & Cryogenic main pumps

*The second 2.2m x 2.2m chamber is specificallymodified for High-Power Microwave Tests like PowerHandling and Multipaction

The use of Thermoelectric Quartz Crystal Microbalances (TQCM) is highly recommended by the European Space Agency (ESA) to demonstrate the effectiveness of a Vacuum Thermal Bakeout.

A TQCM is a device used to monitor in real-time the evolution of the amount of volatile condensable materials emitted from a device/unit under test. This is achieved by measuring the mass flow of contaminants that condense at a specific temperature on its sensing surface.

Our TQCM Monitoring system is fully data logged. We have access to software and analysis methods to undertakefull interrogation of the results achieved and confirm the outgassing rate achieved.

Facilities

The Stevenage Structural Test Facility is in a selfcontained building with a floor area 750 m²

Facility maximum working height is 5.3m head height with multiple 5 Tonne cranes and up to 4 Tonne fork trucks to aid movement and assembly.

»» L= 5 m x W= 4 m»» L= 4 m x W= 3 m

Fluid power distribution system to provide up to 3000 PSI (210 bar) 75 Litres per minute

Dead weight testing up to 6500kg.

Multiple data logging systems capable of 2400Hz scans per channel. 300 channels per system available (Expandable if required)

Electronic load control system

Load application and synchronisation of up to 24 channels (expandable on request)

Load application of up to 600kN.

Load measurement range from 50N to 600 kN

Capable of measuring various transducers not limited to but include:»» Displacement measurement 20 μm to 1 m»» Temperature measurement»» Pressure transducers»» Strain gauges»» Load measurement

Several types of Radio Frequency (RF) tests are available at Stevenage. There is a large anechoic chamber for Power Handling, PIM and S parameter RF testing. There is a large thermal vacuum chamber for power handling and multipaction testing. Tests can be performed on waveguides, filters, antennas and up to complete spacecraft.

Electrical Test has two 4000W Ku Band amplifiers.

Frequency range of 10.0 to 12.75GHz

Can be configured to have two 2000W per amplifier.

Can be combined to give 8000W output

Protected with internal isolators but can withstand a full short circuit up to 57dBm

The amplifiers can be configured for use in the Anechoic Chamber free radiating with Power handling capability 1500W/m2 and also has RAM temperature monitoring using thermal imaging cameras. Or connected to the Dedicated TVAC chamber for power handling of components or for Multipaction testing of components.

Capabilities

Passive Inter Modulation (PIM) testing at L, C, Ku and Ka-band.Thermal PIM testing at C, Ku and Ka-band.Thermal PIM temperature range currently ±/140°C.PIM testing of reflectors, Feed Chain Assemblies and Complete Antennas.Power handling of Feed Assemblies.

Facilities

The Anechoic Chamber has the following:

Floor area 120 m2Dimensions in meters (10W x12L x 14H)Access Double swing doors 8m x 10mScreening effectiveness up to 100 dB up to 40GHzTemperature controlled to 20°C+/- 3°CRelative Humidity controlled to 50% +/- 10%Area controlled to ISO 8Contains thermal chamber temperature with a range ±/140°C for PIM testingPower handling capability 1500W/m2RAM temperature monitoring using thermal imaging

Designed for advanced antenna pattern & payload measurements for today’s and future satellite generations

50 Years Experience in High-End Antenna Measurement techniques