Our attitude determination and control systems (ADCS), or pointing testbed, provides end-to-end ACS testing capability. It simulates the magnetic field and sun exposure of a satellite’s orbit. It also provides two degrees of near frictionless movement from an air-bearing table on which the test subject sits. With these three capabilities, a satellite can be run through an entire mission simulation for orienting, pointing, and critical component communication based on location.

The vibration platform is a dynamic shaker that simulates the range of vibrational frequencies experienced on a rocket launch. The platform is capable of hosting up to a 6U cubesat forine, shock, and random vibration testing in a single axis. Its ability to perform random vibration testing is a critical attribute of the vibe platform, as this test is required of all launch providers for cubesats and subsystems. Colocation of the integration bay and the vibration platform reduces program schedule and increases productivity by having all of the development tools and team available during testing.

With inside dimensions of 51 ft. (15.5m) by 26 ft. (7.9m) by 18 ft. (5.5m), ASU’s EMAC facility has one of the largest university-based anechoic chambers in the United States. The shielded room is lined with microwave absorbing material to greatly reduce the reflections, or echoes, of the test signals inside. This controlled environment simulates the conditions of “free space” that are suitable for testing antennas and scattering targets. The Anechoic Chamber has an isolation rating up to 50 MHz.