MetOp-SG-B1 enters the thermal-vacuum chamber

MetOp-SG-B1, about to undergo rigorous testing to ensure that it will withstand the vacuum and extreme temperature swings of space at Airbus’ facilities in Toulouse, France. When open, the thermal-vacuum chamber resembles a section of a tunnel, and when closed, it looks like a giant pressure cooker. Its operation involves a complex system of motors, pumps, valves and pipelines to simulate the harsh conditions of space.

Creating extreme hot and cold temperatures in a vacuum is a challenging process. To achieve this, the chamber is lined with black metal, through which liquid nitrogen, at –192°C, circulates to simulate the coldness of space. When testing the satellite's response to heat, the temperature of the lining can be raised but solar heat is primarily simulated using large, powerful lamps, replicating the intense heat the satellite will experience when exposed to sunlight in space.

Patience is also required as the satellite must remain within the chamber for around a month, with the tests running continuously, 24/7. However, this doesn’t mean that the satellite is left alone. More than 100 engineers are busy executing the tests and processing the data over the course of the month.

The MetOp-Second Generation mission comprises three successive pairs of satellites to deliver data for weather forecasting and climate prediction for over 20 years. Working as a pair in polar orbit, the A-type and the B-type satellites are equipped with complementary suites of instruments to provide high-resolution measurements of temperature, precipitation, clouds, winds, and more.

Read full story: First all-new MetOp complete and sibling in testing