Test Opportunities Timeline
Test Windows
Several test windows with different application deadlines are proposed in the pilot phase of the programme.
Candidates should indicate all test windows they are interested in at the time of application. If not selected for the first test window requested, their application will be automatically moved to the evaluation process of the next preferred window.
The proposed test window list is to be considered a living document and will be further updated according to the resources and capabilities of the programme.
Note: Test windows can be subject to change due to facility’s needs, such as preparation of hardware for launch campaigns. If a slot becomes unavailable before the selection process is concluded, applications will be shifted to the evaluation for the next available test window. Selected teams should be ready to accommodate deviations in schedule about the agreed planning in case of needs of the facility.
Milestones
The milestones of the programme are summarised in the following table.
| T | Milestone | Comments |
| t - 4 months | Application deadline | Deliverables: Test Proposal + University Endorsement Letter |
| t - 3.5 months | Selected teams announced | |
| t – 3.5 months | Programme kick-off and environmental testing webinar | Webinar offered by ESA. Team(s) invited to present their test proposal. |
| t - 3 months | Preparation of Test Specification & Test Procedure | With ESA support |
| t - 1.5 months | Delivery of draft Test Specification & Test Procedure | |
| t - 1 month | Finalisation of Test specification and Campaign Kick-Off meeting | Confirmation of team readiness to conduct the scheduled campaign. |
| Team travel to ESEC-Galaxia CSF | ||
| t | Test Campaign | Including Test Readiness Review (TRR) & Post Test Review (PTR) |
| Team returns to University | ||
| t + 1 month | Delivery of Test Report | |
| t + 1.5 months | Final presentation | Test results, lessons learned and outlook of the project |
Test campaign preparation
Once selected teams are announced, students will begin the preparation of the test campaign, including the hardware and software finalization and functional testing, and test documentation writing.
Following a webinar offered by ESA on environmental testing, throughout the opportunity, progress meetings may be organised between ESA and the team to follow up and support the development status and preparatory activities of the test campaign.
Students may elect to use one or more of the following test facilities, for a maximum of 4 weeks (20 working days) in total, including test setup and disassembly:
- 20kN Electrodynamic Shaker
- Thermal Vacuum Chamber (-60degC/+100degC, >=10-6 bar)
- Vacuum Oven (<=+200degC, >=10-5 bar).
Further information on the capabilities of the test equipment can be found in the “Test Opportunities: Facility Handbook and Requirements” document.
With the support from ESA, students will have to prepare the documentation necessary for environmental testing, such as the Test Specification and Test Procedure.
The schedule of the test campaign will be prepared by the team and ultimately accepted by the facility operators at the Campaign Kick-Off meeting.
Once the test documentation is ready, a Campaign Kick-Off meeting will be organised to confirm the readiness to proceed with the scheduled campaign. The team will have to demonstrate that the test item and its Ground Support Equipment has been adequately checked at the university and that the team is fully ready to use the allocated slot at the test facility.
Test campaign execution
During the test campaign at the facility, students will become acquainted with ESA standard procedures by participating in the Test Readiness Review (TRR) and the Post-Test Review (PTR). The team will work hand in hand with the facility operators for the preparation of the test set-up and the test instrumentation. Anomalies will be treated following product assurance practices.
Test campaign close-out
Once the campaign is concluded, teams will submit a Test Report outlining the results obtained and capturing the requirements compliance status.
To conclude their participation in the programme, the whole student team will offer a presentation to other participants showing their test results, lessons learned and outlook on the project.
