Testing experience with the FORTE` satellite

FORTE is a small 193 kg (425 lb) satellite that will be placed in orbit with a Pegusus-XL launch vehicle in late 1996. The primary FORTE Program objective is to detect and record atmospheric bursts of electromagnetic radiation. The satellite structure is fabricated primarily with graphite epoxy. This Paper summarizes the testing/analysis philosophy for the FORTE satellite structure and describes how preliminary engineering module structural tests affected the final design. Several novel design features that were implemented to minimize the shock and vibration environments are also described