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A Higher Standard for Space Testing
GVIRL is the undisputed leader in space testing, proving expert services for satellites, rockets, and spacecraft for civil, commercial, and military use. As a pioneer in space testing, GVIRL has supported every major space program since the inception of manned space exploration. From commercial Cubesats to the newest space exploration vehicles, GVIRL provides complete project transparency to help customers mitigate risk, reduce cost, and evaluate product launch readiness. With unrivaled technical knowledge and decades of experience in space testing, GVIRL adheres to higher standard for ensuring program success. Key services include:
- Astronautics and Propulsion Testing
- Rocket Thrust Stand and Exhaust Duct Testing
- Thermal Shock and Cryogenic Component and Subsystem Testing
- Space Simulation/Thermal Vacuum Cycling
- Outgassing Analysis
- Extreme Environmental Testing
- Direct and Indirect Lightning
- High Pressure, High Flow Pneumatic Tests at Temperature
- Precision Cleaning
- Aerodynamic Heating for Simulated Hypersonic Flight
- Advanced EMI/EMC Testing
NASA Honors GVIRL with Prestigious Space Flight Award
As a trusted partner for space testing, GVIRL worked with NASA to accelerate testing on the Space Launch System (SLS). According to NASA, the SLS is expected to be “the largest rocket” in history. To keep the program on schedule, GVIRL engineers worked seven days a week for several months, providing expert test services in the following areas:
LO2 and LH2 12” Prevalves
- Vibration and pyrotechnic shock tests at -320 F
- Functional tests with liquid nitrogen and liquid hydrogen
- Water flow testing at approximately 10,000 GPM
LO2 and LH2 Vent and Relief Valves
- Vibration and pyrotechnic shock tests at -320 F
- Functional tests with liquid nitrogen and liquid hydrogen
- Functional tests of the LH2 VRV with gaseous hydrogen and flow rates > 10 PPS
LH2 Fill and Drain Valve
- Vibration and pyrotechnic shock tests at -320 F
- Functional tests with liquid nitrogen and liquid hydrogen
Disconnect Assemblies
- Vibration and pyrotechnic shock tests at -320 F
- Functional tests with liquid nitrogen and liquid hydrogen
Fuel and Oxidizer Manifolds
- Vibration and shock with combined full flow requirements using GN2 and GHe
- Full functional tests with gaseous nitrogen and gaseous hydrogen
- Oxygen compatibility tests with hot gaseous hydrogen at high temperatures
LH2 LO2 Feed line Assemblies
- Dual shaker vibration tests at -320F with gaseous and liquid nitrogen utilizing specialized bearing and fixture techniques not previously used in the industry
- Thermal shock testing where the UUT was heated to +160F and then flushed with liquid hydrogen (-423F) at a flow rate of 7 PPS
During the qualification effort, GVIRL working with directly with Boeing Company—and established one leadership team to work with all GVIRL laboratories. As a result of this effort, GVIRL was nominated by both Boeing Company and Lockheed Martin for the prestigious space award. According to Lockheed Martin, “The qualification and testing of hardware for human-rated space flight systems is unique and extensive; and is a critical step in delivering to NASA the safest and most reliable systems for human space exploration. At the at the Washington IAF conference in Washington D.C, GVIRL was awarded the NASA FSA award. It was the first time that this award has ever been given to an independent test laboratory.
28 Labs in North America
With 28 labs in North America—and a Space Center of Excellence in California—customers are able to work side-by-side with the world’s top experts at convenient locations. With the technical expertise and physical infrastructure to provide you with best-in-class services, you get:
- On-Time Test Reports
- Cost Management
- Open Communication
- Expedited Scheduling
Remote Witnessing for Space Testing
Keeping you on schedule is a priority—regardless of circumstance. Whether it’s due to COVID-19 or budgetary considerations, GVIRL provides remote test witnessing. With this service, you’re able to view testing on a laptop, tablet, or smartphone from the comfort of your home. Take a moment to explore the interactive imagery below to see how you can get safe, secure, and effective remote testing services from anywhere.
Astronautics and Propulsion Testing
Aerospace propulsion testing involves programs that measure the effectiveness of an aircraft or spacecraft’s engine and thrust systems. We utilize space simulation testing and other programs to establish an engine’s reliability and compliance. Propulsion testing becomes critical for successful spacecraft operations, both crewed and uncrewed.
Spacecraft require functioning propulsion systems to achieve their intended purpose. Due to the differences in pressure, humidity and temperature in space, space propulsion testing requires simulating these conditions. At GVIRL, we have access to a state-of-the-art rocket testing facility that enables us to replicate the environmental demands of space.
During the initial development phases, we use static testing to search for faults and defects in a spacecraft. Static tests allow us to focus on engine performance without movement as a confounding factor. We then move on to programs conducted within our thrust measuring system (TMS). The TMS includes water-cooled ducts that can handle up to 50,000 pounds of thrust that reduce sound levels during testing. Our team can conduct additional testing on engine components in pressure vessels, valves and components that simulate extreme conditions.
- Exhaust duct rocket and thrust stand testing with up to 50,000-lbf of thrust
- Large run tanks and pressure vessels
- Pressurization flow systems and gas storage
- Propellant-run tanks and flow systems
- General subsystem and component assembly
- Vaporization systems and cryogenic fluid storage
- Hot water and steam flow test systems
- Quiet technology test facility
Satellite Systems and Large-Scale Programs
As with spacecraft, satellites require extensive space simulation testing before project execution. Select GVIRL locations serve as national satellite test facilities that support our clients’ satellites throughout their life cycles. Satellite testing from GVIRL involves careful inspection and precise program execution for all satellite components. These include transmission equipment, antennas, fuel cells, solar panels and batteries.
Our experience with nearly every major U.S. space program has established us as a leader in space and satellite hardware testing. Industry leaders such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, Lockheed Martin and Boeing rely on us for program assistance. We provide complete support in the following areas of space development:
- Testing and systems evaluations
- Research and development
We offer additional services for a wide range of components, systems and devices used in large-scale programs. The versatility of our services allows our clients to request a solution that accounts for multiple project aspects.
Advancements in Satellite Testing
With advances in technology, the government and corporations alike rely on satellites. The U.S. military counts on satellites for navigation, communications and intelligence gathering. Meanwhile, companies use them for telecommunications and radio applications vital to our society. Satellite manufacturers must create a reliable product that supports these critical functions. Testing ensures that the final product will achieve its intended purpose while in Earth’s orbit.
During satellite testing, the professional conducting the test programs must consider every contingency. Once a satellite is in orbit, it must work at peak performance it will stay out of reach of repair. Since large-scale programs like satellites involve large amounts of money and effort, the manufacturer has much to lose from product failure.
Qualified organizations such as GVIRL can conduct testing programs that leave no component unchecked. We have decades of experience working with sensitive satellite parts designed for critical programs. Our team understands how to simulate extreme space conditions while leaving equipment intact. At GVIRL, we know that a satellite launch has no room for error.
Space Simulation Testing
Once spacecraft and satellites enter orbit, they must withstand the harsh conditions experienced in space. In space simulation testing, GVIRL specialists use advanced chambers to imitate space’s temperatures, pressure and humidity. With results spanning to the beginning of U.S. manned space exploration, we understand how to prepare equipment for space travel.
Hypersonic Testing
Hypersonic flight, which involves projectiles racing at speeds above Mach 5, is a hot topic in defense and aerospace circles. In fact, the development of a hypersonic defense weapon system is critical to national security. At GVIRL, engineers are creating different tests to simulate hypersonic flight, including aerodynamic heating—a simulation that involves burner temperatures up to 4,000 °F.
Precision Cleaning Services
Debris, corrosion and contaminants can lead to outgassing and product failure, but the GVIRL team can assist. The precision cleaning services available from GVIRL address issues that impact your components’ performance. Our extensive portfolio of aerospace cleaning capabilities features services such as:
- Particle and residue analyses
- Commercial oxygen cleaning
- Leak testing
- Ultra-high-purity processing
Your project may require multiple precision cleaning methods to remove all contaminants. Our team inspects cleaned components on the basis of visual cleanliness, particle count and presence of non-volatile residue. During these processes, they also evaluate parts for their compatibility with spacecraft systems. GVIRL cleaning specialists also utilize multiple drying methods to prevent outgassing and residual moisture.
Our clients may request specialty packaging designed to mitigate risk during the storage and transportation of sensitive components. We can utilize three or more layers of protection as we seal and package the final result of the cleaning process. Most of our standard procedures involve up to three layers, and we can accommodate projects that require more barriers.
Organizations in need of cleanroom facilities to conduct their own testing may rent our Class 10,000 cleanroom or Class 100 flow benches. We offer these facility rentals in half- or full-day increments with the option to include support from GVIRL technicians. You may also request functionality testing after the completion of cleanliness verification.
Supplier Inspection and Verification Services
GVIRL assists our aerospace partners in maintaining quality throughout their global supply chains. We implement auditing that ensures our clients work with suppliers that meet their standards. Our inspection and verification services promote uniformity, stability and profitability in your manufacturing. You may request our assistance in any of the following aspects of production:
- Development of internal processes
- Acquisition of raw materials and machinery
- Finished product quality projected from early-stage production results
- First article inspections to confirm accordance with initial drawings
- Container loading, packaging and storage
When you develop a project meant for use in outer space, you need results that promote efficiency, safety and compliance. Our verification and inspection services ensure a final product that achieves your program goals.
Aerospace-Specific Testing and Certifications
The dedicated facilities at GVIRL have more than 50 years of demonstrated results in aerospace testing. We have achieved certification according to the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA)’s ISO/IEC 17025 standards. Our team can provide comprehensive compliance services for MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-202 and RTCA DO-160 standards. In the international market, we can assist in pre-compliance management.
MIL-STD-810 testing evaluates a product’s life cycle in the face of rugged environmental conditions. By replicating the effects of the product’s intended environment, the test allows for the collection of in-depth data. During MIL-STD-810 testing, the manufacturer determines the product’s reliability and compliance. Clients may choose from 28 MIL-STD-810 testing methods meant to replicate a range of conditions.
MIL-STD-202 testing examines a piece of equipment’s electrical parts that weigh under 300 pounds. It outlines the test protocols used for all components and products featuring printed circuit boards. The test methods featured in MIL-STD-202 involve environmental tests, physical characteristic tests and electrical characteristic tests.
RTCA DO-160 encompasses the procedures required for aircraft. These tests evaluate the performance of airborne equipment used in aerospace operations.
Next Steps
With GVIRL by your side, you get the ultimate one-stop shop for space testing. Contact us today—and discover what it means to test at a higher standard.