Systems designed and engineered to simulate space environments.

Abbess Space Simulation Chambers and Systems provide an integrated solution for recreating space conditions. During Prototyping, Flight Qualification, and Flight Verification phases, Space Simulation Systems are vital, and Abbess Instruments has an extensive portfolio of Space Simulation Test systems capable of simulating a variety of deep space vacuums with or without thermal control for use during these phases.

Before launch, instrumentation and systems must be exposed to space-like temperatures and vacuum levels, and be shown not only to survive the extreme ranges but also to operate within parameters. To prove reliable in these multivariable environments, it is required that the article under test are exposed to conditions ranging from launch through altitude increase, then into deep space followed by re-entry into a specified atmosphere. Space simulation chambers are critical to these tests, and Abbess Instruments is one of the few companies in the world with the capability and experience to manufacture these fully functional and integrated systems.

Please refer to our Altitude & Atmosphere Test Systems page for required testing pressures from 760 torr to 0.1 Torr (altitudes of up to 200,000 ft)!

If there is a thermal component in your test visit out Thermal vacuum System page!

To get an accurate quote for the system you need fill out our RFQ or call today!


Basic System | Complex System | Upgrade Options

View our Space Simulation Products


Basic System

A basic Space Simulation Test System consists of the following:

Actual chamber material choices are dependent on the desired operational vacuum, as outlined in the table below. Do you require manual or automatic operation? Abbess will work with you to customize automation to your process, just as we will work with you to ensure the system configuration meets your operational needs: While the most basic system can be controlled manually (by starting/stopping the pump(s) and opening/closing valves), a Vacuum Cycle Controller (VCC) can be added to automate the process.

There are many Upgrade Options available that will add complexity and functionality. These options, can be found in the upgradable options section down below.

Material*Useful Pressure Range (Torr)UseComments
Untreated Al with Al or Acrylic door760 to 10-4 inc.altitude testingMore powerful pumps will be needed with an Acrylic door than if a metal door was used.
Acrylic door must be kept below 135C.
Acid-etched Al chamber & door760 to 10-5   inc.space simulation
Untreated SS chamber & door760 to 10-6 inc.
Electropolished SS chamber & door10-6  and better
Bakeout & Electropolished SS chamber & door10-7 and betterBakeout required to outgas chamber

To get an accurate quote for the system you need fill out our RFQ or call today!


Complex System

With precise thermal and vacuum control, the Abbess Satellite Testing Vacuum (TVAC) System is ideal for ensuring the compliance of your product or satellite to sustain ultra-high and low atmospheric conditions. Abbess designs rugged equipment and practical systems for continuous and demanding analytical, manufacturing, and production use, with safety and long life in mind. Additionally, we offer various coating for solar simulation and other orbital variables.

The chamber is fitted with an internal shroud which can be cooled down to LN2 temperatures or
heated up to 150degreeC with a minimum internal volume of 77in (H) x 72in (D) x 82in (W). The
chamber features three large DN500 ports, one located on top and one on each side. The TVAC system will sit on vibration isolators which will then be mounted to a optical table test setup.

Satellite Testing Vacuum System Features(TVAC):

Perform your test in-house for decades to come with this modifiable and upgradeable Satellite Testing Vacuum System(TVAC):

Benefits:

CUSTOM TOUCH SCREEN/PC VACUUM CYCLE CONTROLLER

Customized PC and Touch Screen User interface.
Allows controlled Start/Stop control of vacuum system, process, sequence, position, pressure and/or temperature monitoring and setpoint control.
Includes:

PANEL PC,

A PC Touch Screen Vacuum Cycle Controller is a custom built system. Each Touch Screen Controller is programmed for the customer’s specific procedure.

Below is an example of what the GUI will look like:


Upgrade Options

Upgrade options include:

Abbess can help you. Successfully test your high-value inventory in our manual or automatic Space Simulation Systems.

To get an accurate quote for the system you need fill out our RFQ or call today!