Combined Environment Testing on a Nanosatellite

Abstract

In the real world launch environment, acceleration, vibration, and shock loads are applied simultaneously, but the systems on the ground cannot be tested to combined load profiles using the traditional methods. By providing more realistic combined load profiles, integrated testing has the potential to significantly reduce mission risk and cost. The objective of the research is to demonstrate the capability and also to show the effects of integrated acceleration and vibration testing where the payload response frequency and modes are modified due to the combined loading conditions. This was done using a state-of-the-art centrifuge at the National Aerospace Training and Research Center to subject payloads to the synergistic effects of combined environments. The project expands on the original design and employs modeling and simulation, a larger shaker, a CubeSat-class satellite payload, increased instrumentation, and a series of combined environments tests with multi-axis loads. The test results showed that a shift in response frequency occurs when the payload is subjected to a combined loading environment, which cannot be observed by traditional testing methods. Being able to more closely simulate the launch environment may result in a reduction of required safety margins, together with schedule and risk reduction, resulting in major cost savings.