Aalto-3 team completes environmental test campaign
The Aalto-3 student team recently completed their environmental test campaign, a thrilling 2-week experience at the CubeSat Support Facility of ESEC-Galaxia. They tested the Aalto-3 CubeSat Engineering Model as part of the Fly Your Satellite! “Test Opportunities” program, conducting vibration and thermal vacuum testing. An unforgettable journey that enriched their engineering skills and passion for space exploration.
Four students from the Finnish Aalto University have successfully passed an essential round of tests of their Aalto-3 CubeSat Engineering Model, working at the CubeSat Support Facility cleanroom from July 3rd to 14th July 2023.
This test experience was possible thanks to the “Test Opportunities” programme, designed to provide university students with an opportunity to carry out environmental test campaigns at the CubeSat Support Facility, where they gain access to professional test facilities and expert support.
“The test opportunity as a whole was very educational, and the staff was professional and supportive. During the test opportunity, the Aalto-3 team learned many practices that will further improve the quality of the work of the team.” Commented one of Aalto students.
Firstly, the CubeSat underwent a vibration test that simulated the mechanical loads exerted by the launcher on the CubeSat during launch. Next, Aalto-3 was placed inside the thermal-vacuum chamber, where it was subjected to high vacuum levels and a set of cycles at extreme hot and cold temperatures. By doing this, the team gained insight into the behaviour of their satellite while in orbit, where it is exposed to both the vacuum of outer space and the fluctuations of temperature experienced during every orbit.
“The Test Opportunities campaign was indeed a great experience that gave our team valuable experience in environmental testing. The hands-on approach was educational, allowing us to learn not only by theory but by practice as well. The key takeaway from this campaign was the recognition of the importance of good and thorough documentation, which will lead to well-executed testing in the future. Overall, the campaign was a great learning experience for all of us and will motivate us to pursue our dreams in the industry.” stated another student involved in the testing campaign.
The educational return of the Aalto-3 CubeSat test campaign on the students' curricula cannot be overstated. This hands-on experience provided the students with a unique opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world engineering challenges. By actively participating in the various stages of the test campaign, from planning and preparation to execution and analysis, the students developed a deeper understanding of the complexities and intricacies involved in spacecraft testing.
After successfully completing the test campaign, the students will now focus on analysing the collected data. This analysis is crucial for gaining insights and drawing conclusions from the tests. The experiences gained from this campaign will undoubtedly shape their success as future space industry professionals. The hands-on exposure to real-world engineering challenges and emphasis on meticulous documentation will set them apart as capable engineers, ready to make a significant impact in space exploration. Moreover, the teamwork and communication skills developed during the campaign will further support their future careers. Overall, this comprehensive experience equips them with valuable skills and knowledge, paving the way for promising futures in the space industry.
To learn more about the programme, click here.
