Spacecraft hatch leak testing

Abstract

Spacecraft hatch needs to be tested for leakage in various environments. Hatch Quick Leak Detector (HQLD) leak testing method is a convenient and effective method for the orbital hatch. Vacuum Chamber leak testing (VCLT) method is a proper integral leakage rate method for the hatch. We performed the testing in the “CMK2000” vacuum vessel. The detection principles and steps are described in detail. Leak testing was performed on all of the hatch seals using helium mass spectrometer leak detectors and special apparatus under the Thermal Vacuum testing. We performed leak testing after finishing operating the hatch in the Thermal Vacuum environment. The relative uncertainty of the total leakage rate value of the hatch is 23.6% (k = 2). The total leakage rate testing was a successful example of complex quantitative leakage rate testing in a middle vacuum chamber.