Space Science Technology facilities in TN
3 facilities
10V Space Chamber
Arnold AFB, TN
The 10V Space Chamber is a state-of-the-art deep space environment simulation test facility designed to test high performance interceptors and surveillance sensors. The chamber shares vehicle handling and target systems with the 7V Space Chamber as well as support infrastructure. The facility consists of a 10-foot-diameter by 30-foot-long chamber containing a full gaseous helium thermal shroud and an optically clean vacuum pumping system. A 300,000-pound seismic mass allows vibration isolation of the optical bench and all optical elements. The chamber is surrounded by a class 1000 clean room.
Decade Radiation Test Facility
Arnold AFB, TN
The DRTF is a world-class, unique facility producing multiple radiation environments to test various systems such as satellites and missile guidance controls and their components. A smaller X-ray simulator, the Modular Bremsstrahlung Source (MBS) provides nuclear weapons effects (NWE) testing on cables and small satellite components. It is the only DoD nuclear weapons effects facility with the capability to sufficiently test systems to their high confidence requirements and show they will survive and properly function in radiation environments experienced during their missions.
Mark 1 Test Facility
Arnold AFB, TN
The Mark I Test Facility is a state-of-the-art space environment simulation test chamber for full-scale space systems testing. A $1.5M dollar upgrade in fiscal year 2000 replaced existing oil diffusion pumps with a complete dry pumping system, cleaned the interior of the chamber and refinished the surface the (LN2) thermal shroud. A new Hewlett Packard 3852, with 1,500 channels of data capability, replaced the previous Micro-Vax data system. These upgrades, combined with the shear size of the facility, at 42 ft diameter by 82 ft, postures AEDC for future testing of full-scale satellites and other space systems requiring a contamination-free test environment.