About the Facility

Spaceflight hardware must go through a rigorous qualification process before being flown, and APL's Environmental Test Facility (ETF) has the means to perform every necessary test. The ETF is composed of laboratories, instrumentation and data‐acquisition equipment for thorough thermal vacuum, static-dynamic and electromagnetic interference and compatibility environmental testing of flight hardware at all levels of assembly. It offers a variety of capabilities including vibration, thermal vacuum, and electromagnetic effects. The Space Simulation Laboratory, for example, provides all necessary services and equipment to perform thermal, temperature, humidity, altitude and thermal vacuum testing of spacecraft and subsystems. The Vibration Test Laboratory provides all services and equipment to perform structural qualification testing of spacecraft and subsystems. Multiple shaker tables are available to suit project needs. And the Electromagnetic Compatibility Test Laboratory provides the services and equipment to perform industry-standard qualification testing of spacecraft and subsystems.