After an international competitive tender involving several specialist companies, the National Satellite Test Facility (NSTF) has selected a 512-channel Prosig DATS-hyper12 system to capture high-speed dynamic test data.
A new home for satellite testing in the UK
The National Satellite Test Facility is a new facility for the environmental testing of complete satellites and large sub-assemblies. Operated by RAL Space in Oxfordshire and due for completion in spring 2021, it will bring together some of the UK's largest facilities for vibration, EMC and antenna range, acoustic, mass property and thermal testing.
The facility is designed for satellites with payloads of up to 7 tonnes, and its combined test facilities can fully replicate the conditions and severity of launch. A pyro-shock test facility will also simulate the separation of a satellite from its launch vehicle adapter.
512 channels, working as one system
A key part of the test facilities is a high-speed, multi-channel Dynamic Test Data Acquisition System. The Prosig system comprises two 256-channel sub-systems, each built from four DATS-hyper12 chassis, so the two racks can be used in different locations when needed.
- 24-bit acquisition channels accept accelerometers, microphones and voltage inputs, with IEPE and TEDS support.
- Each rack-mounted chassis is stand-alone, with its own controller and data storage.
- Multiple units can be connected and synchronised to a common clock, so they act as a single, high channel count system.
- Data can be exported in a range of industry-standard file formats for post-processing in specialist third-party analysis and simulation packages.
Why Prosig was chosen
The DATS-hyper12 was chosen for its modular, flexible hardware that supports different test types, software that can be configured for diverse applications, Prosig's high level of application support, training and consultancy, and good value for a high channel count system.
Read the full story in our National Satellite Test Facility case study, or find out more about Prosig solutions for space testing.