Directing Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) Chamber Testing at a Facility in another State Lessons Learned

摘要

Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) testing is one of the final environmental tests performed prior to shipment to the launch facility. Since, TVAC test is scheduled so close to delivery, it is critical that a chamber is ready and available when flight hardware is ready for testing to begin. Sometimes, local vacuum chambers are occupied at that time and another vacuum testing facility must be found, even if it is in another state in an unfamiliar facility. The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has a premier thermal vacuum chamber facility. NRL facilities include one large test chamber, two medium sized test chambers, and several small test chambers. Several spacecraft engineering companies have utilized NRL facilities to operate TVAC temperature cycling testing. In addition, NRL has opportunities to utilize other vacuum chamber facilities, when NRL chambers are already occupied by other flight hardware assemblies.. Thermal vacuum test planning includes understanding facility capabilities and upgrade requirements, scheduling of testing and personnel, and training of test personnel to be experts in their roles and responsibilities. Scheduling personnel to travel and work shift work is one of the hardest parts of working in another facility. Scheduling requires shifts to cover 24 hours a day for 7 days a week for months at a time. The testing team becomes sizeable due to the quantity of shifts and various roles that have to be filled. Therefore, communication amongst people becomes critical. Proper planning and procedures understood by the team means that tasking can be delegated to the team on travel. TVAC in another state requires added complexities and increases the importance of constant communication between all stakeholders.