DLR - Institute of Space Systems - Sonnensimulationsanlage

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Solar simulation chamber

Positionieren einer Superisolationsmatte (MLI) auf dem Testobjekt

The solar simulation chamber serves for thermal vacuum testing of both individual components and overall systems for space applications. The environmental conditions that will be encountered in space, such as high vacuum, the cold temperature in space and solar radiation, can all be recreated during these simulations. Where necessary, the temperature-controlled wall (shroud) can be cooled with liquid nitrogen.

The aim of the thermal vacuum test is to support the process of designing space components and thermal control systems, their qualification and the verification of numerical thermal models.

The solar simulation chamber is accredited as a testing laboratory in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005 and fulfils the clean room requirements of ISO-8 in accordance with Standard ISO 14644-1.

Service range

For thermal balance tests – thermal vacuum tests, the main area of interest is thermal balance and the respective temperature distribution
In thermal cycling tests – the functionality of the test object is examined using a predetermined number of cycles under certain temperatures (environmental conditions).
Support during developmental tests

Standard

ECSS-E-ST-10-03C of 1 June 2012

Technical specifications

Chamber

Available length:	0,80 m
Available width:	0,60m
Available height:	0,50
Volume:	0,8m³

Vacuum system

End pressure at 22°C:

<10^-6mbar

Thermal wall (shroud)

Max. temperature:	380K
Min. temperature:	80K

Solar simulator

Power:	0.9 … 1.4 kW/m²
Average solar radiation:	ca. 0,1 m
Spectrum:	0,2 … 2,5 µm

Thermostat temperature control

Temperature control liquid nitrogen:

80K

Measuring system

Number of measuring channels Measuring range	80
DC	20mV, 60mV, 200mV, 2V, 6V, 20V
PT100	-200°C bis 300°C
Processes	Sub-D 9, Sub-D15, Sub-D25, Sub-D37, Sub-D50, RS50, RS25, RS19

Contact

Eugen Mikulz
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Space Systems
Bremen
Tel.: +49 (0) 421 24420-1308
Fax: +49 (0) 421 24420-1120