Space Dynamics Lab Completes Critical Tests of Pathfinder Model for Constellation of Small Satellites
Press Release
From: Space Dynamics Laboratory
Posted: Wednesday, June 1, 2022
Utah State University’s Space Dynamics Laboratory introduced as we speak that it has accomplished a sequence of important purposeful and environmental exams of the Protoflight Model satellite tv for pc for NASA’s Sun Radio Interferometer Space Experiment mission, generally known as SunRISE. SunRISE will probably be a constellation of six small satellites constructed and examined at SDL.
SunRISE is led by Principal Investigator Justin Kasper on the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and is managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. It is scheduled to launch as a hosted rideshare with a business satellite tv for pc no sooner than July 2023. Once launched, the constellation of six CubeSats will fly in a unfastened formation, appearing as a single radio telescope to look at low-frequency emissions from photo voltaic exercise and share the information with scientists by way of NASA’s Deep Space Network.
The SunRISE Protoflight Model satellite tv for pc underwent rigorous purposeful and environmental testing to validate the satellite tv for pc’s design earlier than manufacturing begins on the remaining 5 satellites within the constellation. SDL carried out the exams on the Lab’s services on USU’s Innovation Campus, the place engineers put the satellite tv for pc by way of its paces below simulated circumstances in specifically designed chambers. This testing replicated what the constellation will expertise on the way in which to house and evaluated the way it will carry out within the harsh circumstances of geosynchronous orbit at an altitude of 35,786 kilometers, its remaining vacation spot.
The built-in Protoflight Model satellite tv for pc combines a spacecraft designed and constructed by SDL with a science payload designed and constructed by JPL. In addition to validating the design, this prototype satellite tv for pc, which weighs simply 12 kilograms, will allow mission engineers to follow and refine the varied exams required to reveal flight readiness.
SunRISE is designed to look at highly effective photo voltaic storms that ship trillions of tons of charged matter towards Earth. These storms have broad implications for life on Earth and past. Solar storms feed into Earth’s complicated house climate system, which, identical to terrestrial climate, impacts many of our each day Earthbound actions. For instance, house climate can knock out energy grids or block radio communications. Solar storms may have an effect on house programs, damaging Earth-orbiting satellites or endangering future astronauts who will journey to the Moon or Mars. SunRISE information will present insights into photo voltaic physics and house climate that may assist scientists predict and put together for photo voltaic storms.
“One of the unique attributes of SunRISE as a small satellite constellation is that the payloads are very sensitive to electromagnetic interference. As such, the Protoflight Model was tested in an electromagnetic anechoic—or echo-canceling—chamber to ensure the spacecraft does not interfere with the payload’s sensitive measurements,” mentioned Tim Neilsen, SDL’s program supervisor for SunRISE. “Satellite functional and environmental testing is a vital step to ensure the satellites will perform as designed while on orbit. SDL’s small satellite test and evaluation capabilities reduce flight hardware risk and give our mission partners confidence that these important missions can be completed successfully.”
Satellite launch autos endure intense turbulence leaving Earth to achieve their locations. Vibration throughout liftoff can rattle a satellite tv for pc’s electrical connections and shake unfastened components if not designed and assembled to exacting requirements. To consider workmanship high quality, SDL subjected the Protoflight Model to a vibration take a look at that simulates the rocket launch, guaranteeing the satellite tv for pc is structurally sound.
“The satellite also passed through a thermal vacuum test, which simulates both the vacuum and extreme temperature fluctuations it will experience in space,” Neilsen mentioned. “The successful functional and environmental testing on the Protoflight Model demonstrates that the design meets mission requirements and provides NASA the assurance that SDL is ready to fabricate and test the remaining five satellites.”
Since 1959, SDL has been fixing the technical challenges confronted by the army, science group, and trade and helps NASA’s mission to drive advances in science, expertise, aeronautics, and house exploration to boost data, training, innovation, financial vitality, and stewardship of Earth. SDL is a analysis laboratory headquartered in North Logan, UT, and has places of work in Albuquerque, NM; Colorado Springs, CO; Dayton, OH; Houston, TX; Huntsville, AL; Los Angeles, CA; Stafford, VA; and Washington, DC. For extra info, go to www.sdl.usu.edu.
###
Media Contact: |
Eric Warren Director, Public Relations Space Dynamics Laboratory 435.881.8439 (cell) eric.warren@sdl.usu.edu |
// finish //
More information releases and standing experiences or high tales.
Please comply with SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook.