FUNCTIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING OF SPACECRAFT

Abstract

Some of the reasons and needs are discussed for functional and environmental testing of spacecraft. Great differences exist in requirements for wind-tunnel models and rocket-boosted models for research in the upper atmosphere and space. Reliability is of prime importance and a well planned test program is one of the tools for insuring this reliability. A complete test program falls into 3 categories. Development tests provide information and assistance to the designer. Prototype or qualification tests prove that the equipment as designed and built will withstand the environmental rigors anticipated. Flight acceptance tests insure that the flight equipment does not contain workmanship defects. some development tests in conjunction with project Echo are illustrated and described. Environmental conditions to be considered in planning qualification and flight acceptance test programs are discussed. Included are some specifications and descriptions of tests on the S-55 Micrometeoroid Satellite. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1961
Accession Number
AD0287539

Entities

People

  • Harold I. Maxwell

Organizations

  • AGARD

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acceptance Tests
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Atmospheres
  • Models
  • Prototypes
  • Qualifications
  • Reliability
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • Spacecraft Components
  • Specifications
  • Vehicles
  • Wind Tunnel Models
  • Wind Tunnels

Readers

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics.
  • Software Engineering
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space