General Atomics now tests simulated space environments inhouse with commissioning of Thermal Vacuum Chamber

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) announced today that Thermal Vacuum Chamber commissioning has been completed at the company’s Centennial, Colorado, space system development facilities. The commissioning completes GA-EMS’ process of bringing in-house the capability to perform testing under simulated space environmental conditions, and supports testing and qualification of components, subassemblies, payloads, and integrated spacecraft up to ESPA-Grande class satellites.

GA-EMS offers complete “end-to-end” solutions supporting complex missions and single satellite to constellation-sized requirements. From satellite design, prototype, manufacture, and test, to payload integration, launch coordination, and on-orbit mission control services, GA-EMS is helping customers rapidly and efficiently access the possibilities of space.

“The thermal vacuum chambers add yet another key component to our expanding space capabilities portfolio, allowing us to improve efficiencies and seamlessly transition spacecraft from production to environmental testing without the spacecraft ever having to leave our clean rooms or facilities,” said Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS. “The ability to test components, payloads and spacecraft in a controlled, simulated space environment is essential to evaluating their performance and ability to withstand the rigors of space, and address any issues that may arise prior to flight.”

“Having three fully commissioned thermal vacuum chambers in-house translates into tangible benefits for our customers, helping reduce program risks and added costs associated with transporting satellites to and from third party testing facilities. With a range of chambers readily available, our assembly, integration and test teams can complete component and system environmental testing and process the results in real-time and with greater efficiency,” said Gregg Burgess, vice president of GA-EMS Space Systems.

For satellites ranging from sub-U to 500kg ESPA-Grande class, GA-EMS offers broad expertise and experience in the design, manufacture, integration, and test of satellites and space systems. The three thermal vacuum chambers add to the company’s expanding space portfolio of design to on-orbit solutions to meet the mission requirements and growing needs of the military, intelligence community, civil and commercial satellite communities.