NASA-GEVS Shock & Vibe Testing
Neumann Space is one of a growing number of Australian companies who are making their mark globally within the space sector.
The Neumann Space product is an efficient and scalable in-space electric propulsion system for satellites and spacecraft. The propulsion system will be integrated into a 6U CubeSat as part of their contribution to the SpIRIT mission.
The SpIRIT (Space Industry – Responsive – Intelligent – Thermal Nano-satellite) mission aims to grow Australian space industry capabilities through the development of an innovative nano-satellite. The project will demonstrate the viability of Australian products in the global space industry supply chain.
“ Flight hardware designed and manufactured for the space sector must meet vibration testing requirements prior to flight.” Herve Astier, Neumann Space CEO explained.
“ The shock & vibe facilities at APC Technology, combined with an experienced engineering team, enable us to test our prototypes to meet those standards.”
“ Additionally the close proximity of APC has been of significant benefit. We can access their facilities frequently, be present during testing to see the results in real time and rapidly iterate designs if required.”
APC Technology conducted vibration testing in compliance to the NASA-GEVS standard. This involved Resonance search, Random vibration, Sine vibration and Quasi-Static Load Testings.
The objective of the testing is to simulate the vibration that the equipment may experience during ground transportation through to the launch of the equipment in space.
Neumann Space is currently conducting further environmental and operational testing at their premises.
SpIRIT will break new ground in high-performance autonomous operations, communications, propulsion and thermal management, and be the first Australian-made spacecraft to host a foreign space agency payload, showcasing both the competitiveness of Australia’s space industry, and the synergies evident between different sectors of the industry. The project is currently completing Phase C, and delivery to the launch service provider is expected by the end of 2022.
The SpIRIT mission is led by the Melbourne Space Laboratory at The University of Melbourne in partnership with Sitael Australia, Inovor Technologies, Neumann Space and Nova Systems, and developed in cooperation with the Italian Space Agency. SpIRIT is funded in Australia through the Australian Space Agency’s International Space Investment: Expand Capability grant opportunity.
Neumann Space is an Australian company developing an efficient and scalable in-space electric propulsion system for satellites. The Neumann Space thruster marks a revolution in the field of satellite propulsion. Our lightweight products use our patented Centre-Triggered Pulsed Cathodic Arc Thruster (CT-PCAT) technology to convert solid conductive propellants into plasma and produce thrust. Our product range creates value for our customers in all space operations and travel. For example, our thruster can fulfil all requirements for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) mission profiles such as extending mission lifetimes, station keeping, orbit raising, constellation phasing, inclination changes, de-orbiting and more.
Herve Astier, Neumann Space CEO.
To find out more about our Environmental Testing and capabilities speak to a member of out team on 08 8363 0400