Vibration Testing - Space

Shaker testing is essential for ensuring that spacecraft components, subsystem, and systems can survive the intense vibrations of launch and the operational challenges of space. Meticulous shaker testing contributes to mission success and the continued advancement of space exploration.

View all our vibration testing products

Shaker testing on satellite, courtesy of INPE 2 - With LAN-XI rack

Applications in the Space Industry

Launch Simulation

Space vehicles experience intense vibrations during launch caused by propulsion systems, aerodynamic forces, and structural interactions. Shaker testing replicates these conditions to ensure components remain operational and structurally intact

Qualification Testing

Before being deployed, all space-bound systems must undergo rigorous vibration tests to meet qualification standards (for example, NASA GSFC-STD-7000, ECSS-E-ST-10-03C). This confirms hardware reliability in harsh environments

Flight Acceptance Testing (FAT)

As part of the final quality checks, individual components and fully integrated systems undergo vibration tests to verify that they meet the necessary performance criteria before deployment

Design Validation

Shakers are used to validate analytical models and simulations, ensuring the spacecraft's structural and functional design aligns with predicted behaviour under dynamic loads

LDS by HBK has a lot of experience in space applications. Please contact us with questions or queries.

An auditor tick correct checkmark on virtual clipboard to check or approve document while audit follow the industrial standards

Standards and Guidelines

Space-related shaker tests must adhere to stringent industry and governmental standards, including:

NASA GSFC-STD-7000

Defines testing requirements for spacecraft, payloads, and ground systems

MIL-STD-810H

Specifies vibration and shock testing standards for military-grade components

ECSS-E-ST-10-03C

European standard for testing spacecraft structures

RAL Space employees working on the James Webb Space Telescope with a new vibration test system: HBK's LDS range of shakers.

Challenges in Space Testing

High Precision Requirements

Space components must operate flawlessly, and even minor testing inaccuracies can lead to mission-critical failures

Complex Test Articles

Large, asymmetrical spacecraft and satellite assemblies require careful handling and specialised fixture design to ensure accurate testing

Cost and Time Constraints

Space projects often operate under tight budgets and timelines, necessitating efficient and reliable testing

Environmental Simulation

Vibration testing is often combined with thermal vacuum or acoustic testing to replicate the full range of space conditions

solutions, applications, vibration, vibration testing with electrodynamic shakers, mechanical satellite qualification

Examples of Space Projects Using Shaker Testing

CubeSats and SmallSats

Vibration testing ensures that these miniaturised satellites can withstand the harsh conditions of launch

Space Telescopes

Testing instruments such as mirrors and optics ensures stability and accuracy during operation in space

Rovers and Landers

Systems undergo vibration tests to verify they can survive during launch and landing

ISS Payloads

Experiments and hardware destined for the International Space Station (ISS) are tested to ensure compatibility with vibration and microgravity requirements

View all our vibration testing products navigate_next

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.

DCTA Launch - Photo Courtesy of DCTA IAE

Sensors and airborne amplifiers help launch the VLS-1 rocket

Our sensors and airborne amplifiers are being used to provide critical flight data for the rocket’s on-board telemetry.

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!

Based in Toulon, and recognized worldwide by aeronautics and space manufacturers for its innovative elastomer solutions.

close
    Get in Touch with HBK

Main Menu

Main Menu

Main Menu

Main Menu

Vibration Testing - Space

Applications in the Space Industry

Standards and Guidelines

Challenges in Space Testing

Examples of Space Projects Using Shaker Testing

Our Customer Stories

Ensuring satellite reliability with vibration testing

Satellite qualification testing at INPE

Sensors and airborne amplifiers help launch the VLS-1 rocket

SMAC laboratory: aeronautical and space tests that shake!

Get in Touch with HBK

We have moved ${referer} to www.hbkworld.com

We have moved ${referer} to www.hbkworld.com

We have moved ${referer} to www.hbkworld.com

We have moved ${referer} to www.hbkworld.com

We have moved ${referer} to www.hbkworld.com

We haved moved ${referer} to www.hbkworld.com