Mechanical Satellite Qualification - Shaker Testing

Qualification and acceptance testing (Q&A) ensures that equipment designs meet the performance expectations required for a particular mission – from assembly and transportation to launch and operation.

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Space satellite, above the Earth. Elements of this image furnished by NASA. High quality photo

As satellite- and launcher-mission parameters vary widely, test parameters and configurations differ significantly. For example, with mechanical Q&A testing of satellites, standard qualification test procedures (QTP) are usually different from standard acceptance test procedures (ATP).

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The QTP is more comprehensive and is performed at higher levels on engineering models to qualify mechanical designs. It typically includes environmental testing such as vibration, shock and acoustic fatigue, and payloads can be either shaken to destruction or undergo non-destructive testing to assess their performance. The ATP, on the other hand, is a production test performed on the actual flight model to show that the structure meets performance specifications.

Qualification Testing Process

Random and swept-sine vibration testing, which involves vibrating the satellite on a large LDS shaker, such as V994, in order to locate structural weaknesses and ensure that no significant structural dynamic changes have occurred
Shock testing to simulate and analyze the (pyro-) shocks encountered during, for example, the separation and deployment of solar panels

The LASERUSB controller supports standardized testing, including testing according to MIL-STD-810 and DEF STAN 00-35

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LDS V994

High-Force Electrodynamic Shaker

A water-cooled electrodynamic shaker for shock and high-performance vibration tests of extra-large payloads up to 5000 kg (11,000 lb), such as satellites, electronic assemblies and defence hardware. It has a peak sine force rating of 289.1 kN (65,000 lbf).

LDS DPA-K

Power Amplifiers

A range of digitally controlled, switch-mode amplifiers used to drive electrodynamic shakers with force ratings of at least 89 kN (20,000 lbf) for vibration testing and other applications. Available with outputs from 70 to 280 kVA.

TYPE 4535-B

General-Purpose Triaxial CCLD Accelerometer, TEDS, 9.8 mV/g

Triaxial CCLD Accelerometer designed to simplify your testing by covering many of the needs of a modern test lab using a single device. Supplied without cable.

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Our Customer Stories

Dave Rippington overseeing vibration testing on the MIRI, ( Mid InfraRed instrument ), for the James Webb Space Telescope, JWST, Engineering Model on a Ling Dynamic Systems shaker in the Space Science and Technology Departments vibration test facility, R46, at STFC's Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, 18th December 2009.

Ensuring satellite reliability with vibration testing

RAL Space’s work on the James Webb Space Telescope required a new vibration test system, for which they chose our LDS range of shakers.

Shaker testing on satellite, courtesy of INPE

Satellite qualification testing at INPE

For Brazil’s space research organization, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE), safe tests with first-time data capture are vital when vibration testing satellites.

BKSV's (now HBK) LDS V8 shaker system and the LDS V721 shaker system help SMAC laboratory with vibration testing

SMAC laboratory: aeronautical and space tests that shake!

SMAC produces high tech custom parts for the protection of equipment used in harsh environments.

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Mechanical Satellite Qualification - Shaker Testing

System Suggestion

Qualification Testing Process

Related Products

High-Force Electrodynamic Shaker

Power Amplifiers

General-Purpose Triaxial CCLD Accelerometer, TEDS, 9.8 mV/g

Our Customer Stories

Ensuring satellite reliability with vibration testing

Satellite qualification testing at INPE

SMAC laboratory: aeronautical and space tests that shake!

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