Thermal Vacuum Testing

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High Vacuum Space Simulation

As an Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) with over 40 years experience in testing aerospace components, subassemblies and systems, NTS has developed an extensive body of practical knowledge about handling high value hardware, safeguarding it while at our labs and making sure that the tests are run perfectly every time, eliminating unnecessary test reruns on one of a kind equipment.

NTS operates several chambers designed specifically to meet the stringent demands of space simulation. The high vacuum chambers and their immediate surroundings are controlled environments with some of our chambers qualifying as Class 10000 cleanroom. The chambers simulate high altitude/space environments with the main parameters of:

  • High Vacuum: 1 x 10-7 Torr (2 x 10-9 psi)
  • Cold Space: -285°F (-175°C)
  • Sun Radiation (IR): Up to +150

Chambers sizes range from 10 ft x 12 ft units to an economical 12 in. diameter for rapid testing of small components. Temperature ranges from -285°F (-175°C) up to +700°F (+375°C). Our larger thermal vacuum chambers employ LN2 full shroud for cooling and IR heating. Instrumentation includes up to 300 channels mixed; voltage, thermal couple, RTD, strain, resistance and current. TQCM, CQCM and RGA analysis is available. Pressure ranges to below 1 x 10-7 Torr (2 x 10-9 psi). Pumping systems cover roughing (oil free or with molecular trap) and high vacuum (turbo molecular or cryogenic).

While NTS high vacuum space simulation facilities have primarily performed testing on sophisticated solar panels, antennas and satellite parts, the high vacuum/temperature environment inhibits heat dissipation and exaggerates the reaction of trapped gases within any product discovering faults before field use.

Class 10000 Cleanroom Facility

At its Class 10000 cleanroom facility, NTS operates a vacuum bake-out chamber specifically used for removing moisture and out-gassing components from seals, bladders, enclosed space related hardware such as satellite fuel tanks and a large group of various space and high tech products that will be subjected to a high vacuum, high temperature, clean environment.

Standards

NTS tests to specifications including MIL-STD-202,MIL-STD-810 RTCA/DO-160. We can also tailor any high vacuum/temperature test to your requirements, enabling you to bring to market only durable, reliable equipment.

Contact NTS today to find out how to get your product tested!