Interplanetary Laboratory

Our attitude determination and control systems (ADCS), or pointing testbed, provides end-to-end ACS testing capability. It simulates the magnetic field and sun exposure of a satellite’s orbit. It also provides two degrees of near frictionless movement from an air-bearing table on which the test subject sits. With these three capabilities, a satellite can be run through an entire mission simulation for orienting, pointing, and critical component communication based on location.

The vibration platform is a dynamic shaker that simulates the range of vibrational frequencies experienced on a rocket launch. The platform is capable of hosting up to a 6U cubesat forine, shock, and random vibration testing in a single axis. Its ability to perform random vibration testing is a critical attribute of the vibe platform, as this test is required of all launch providers for cubesats and subsystems. Colocation of the integration bay and the vibration platform reduces program schedule and increases productivity by having all of the development tools and team available during testing.

With inside dimensions of 51 ft. (15.5m) by 26 ft. (7.9m) by 18 ft. (5.5m), ASU’s EMAC facility has one of the largest university-based anechoic chambers in the United States. The shielded room is lined with microwave-absorbing material to greatly reduce the reflections, or echoes, of the test signals inside. This controlled environment simulates the conditions of “free space” that are suitable for testing antennas and scattering targets. The Anechoic Chamber has an isolation rating up to 50 MHz..

Our 1 cubic meter thermal vacuum chamber provides simulation of the space environment to conduct thermal balance testing of flight and development hardware. The chamber is capable of hot and cold temperature extremes to fully simulate every phase of a mission’s environment. Ample electrical feedthroughs, liquid nitrogen cooling and zoned patch heating ensure your flight unit or test article will be exposed to precisely the environment you require.

The thermal chamber is able to produce a range of 175C to -70C in air or dry nitrogen purge. This chamber may be used to speed epoxy curing, provide thermal shock and provide temperature cycling of components and full spacecraft. The internal volume is approximately 1.2 cubic feet and is compatible with testing 3U cubesats and will accommodate 6U cubesats that have limited MGSE requirements.

For missions with enhanced cleanliness requirements, we have a dedicated cleanroom integration facility. Air filtration, temperature and humidity control, controlled access and gowning provide a space to protect delicate optical equipment.

A dedicated ground station computer with direct access to the antennas provides the capability to monitor and control your spacecraft. The same equipment is used to test the spacecraft prior to launch to ensure end to end testing. Convenient access to the ground station assures that your team is prepared for mission operations.

A rooftop deck with safety railing is easily accessible from the Interplanetary Lab. This area hosts the ground station antennas used to communicate with spacecraft orbiting our planet, and offers space for any project or experiment that requires a view of the sky. The easy rooftop access also permits installation of unique and experimental communication devices.