Goddard Engineering and Technology Directorate

Environmental Testing: Thermal Vacuum Chamber and Vibration Table Collection 

Environmental Testing: Thermal Vacuum Chamber and Vibration Table Collection
Environmental Testing: Thermal Vacuum Chamber and Vibration Table Collection

Space-Qualification Testing and Advanced Manufacturing Solutions for Ground and Flight Hardware

Mechanical systems engineers at ETD provide environmental testing and engineering services through a thermal vacuum chamber (TVAC) and vibration table. The TVAC is a cylindrical front-loading 4’ x 6’ chamber, with thermal shrouds that are independently controlled to maintain temperatures between -100°C and +100°C. Vacuum levels meet space flight qualification standards (< 1 x 10^-5 torr). The shaker table supports component and payload vibration tests in all three axes for space qualification testing. Custom fixtures are designed and fabricated to interface between the test article and environmental test infrastructure.

ETD engineers also maintain ongoing additive manufacturing partnerships with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and local institutions, such as the University of the District of Columbia. These collaborations enable research and advanced space technology developments through new and novel design applications for both ground and flight hardware.

POC: Gabe Garde and Judy Kuntz

Environmental Testing – Thermal Vacuum Chamber is managed by ETD’s Mechanical Systems Division (MSD).