Testing using Combined Environments to Reduce Payload Mass, Cost and Mission Risk

In today’s space industry, exhaustive environmental testing is performed on payloads prior to flight to ensure that the payload can withstand the harsh environment, which it will be subjected to during launch. Some of these tests include acceleration, shock, and random vibration testing. The problem with current test methods is that a rocket launch includes a combination of acceleration, shock, and random vibration, while testing currently performed on payloads can only replicate one type of these environments at a time. By developing a capability to integrate shock, random vibration, and acceleration testing using a state-of-the-art centrifuge, it is possible to test for synergistic effects of these combined environments. A test setup has been developed, which includes a centrifuge with a modal exciter and test pod installed on its gondola. This setup will provide the capability to test payloads using both sustained and dynamic g-loads as well as simultaneous vibration loads in two independent axes. With combined environment testing, it will be possible to create a much more realistic launch environment, which will lower the overall maximum forces the payload will be subjected to. This has the potential to reduce the overall cost of a payload. The test setup and data acquisition system is described in detail, and test results is given