LEAF

The Large European Acoustic Facility, LEAF, at the ESTEC Test Centre, effectively the largest sound system in Europe, for simulating the acoustic loads of a satellite launch. A quartet of noise horns are embedded in one wall of this 11 m wide by 9 m deep and 16.4 m high test chamber. Noise is generated by passing a carefully modulated flow of gaseous nitrogen through the horns, following the predetermined test profile – this inert gas selected to avoid any contamination of any delicate on-board systems, the satellite having been placed in flight configuration for the purpose of the test.