The CalgaryToSpace team recently completed their vibration test campaign, an exciting 1-week immersion in real-world spacecraft testing at the CubeSat Support Facility of ESEC-Galaxia.
They tested the FrontierSat CubeSat Structural Model as part of the Fly Your Satellite! Test Opportunities program, conducting vibration testing.
This was a valuable experience, designed to both enhance engineering skills and deepen interest in space hardware engineering. Over one week, from the October 7th until the October 11th, 2024, six students from the University of Calgary successfully completed a key round of testing on their FrontierSat Structural Model, working in the cleanroom at the CubeSat Support Facility.
The experience was made possible through the Fly Your Satellite! Test Opportunities program, designed to offer university students the chance to carry out environmental test campaigns in a professional environment. Through this program, the students benefited from access to testing facilities and expert mentorship, allowing them to translate classroom theory into practical, hands-on skills that will serve them in their future space careers.
The CalgaryToSpace students said…
“The Fly Your Satellite! Test Opportunity offered by ESA was an amazing experience! We were able to conduct a full test campaign and learn from the expertise of the test operators. Altogether I’m so happy I got the chance to participate!”
“The Fly Your Satellite! Test Opportunity provides the ability to conduct a full test campaign with a comfortable learning environment which is an experience unique to this program. Personally, I learned lots and would encourage others to do the same!”
“The Fly Your Satellite! Test Opportunity was an invaluable experience! Not only did I have the opportunity to engage first-hand in the validation of a spacecraft that I had the privilege of helping design, but the program also gave me an accurate taste of industry expectations for a test campaign. What I appreciated the most was the emphasis on accuracy and precision in the testing process. I was pleasantly surprised to return to my internship and recognize terminology and documentation that was also used during our test campaign at ESA! Finally, getting expert support and mentorship from the ESA staff, and hearing their own stories of getting into the space industry was inspiring.”
The CubeSat dimensions and mass were verified with the calibrated equipment of the facility. Afterwards, the CubeSat underwent a vibration test that simulated the mechanical loads exerted by the launcher on the CubeSat during launch. By doing this, the team gained insight into the behaviour of their satellite during launch.
The FrontierSat CubeSat test campaign has provided students with a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between theory and practice, allowing them to bring classroom concepts into a real-world engineering environment. This hands-on experience has enriched their understanding of CubeSat testing, from initial preparation to the execution of the test, and given them insights into the intricacies of the engineering process.
Through their involvement in every step of the campaign, the students generally gain not only technical expertise but also a sense of the precision, attention to detail, and documentation required in the space industry. Their current work in post-test data analysis now marks a crucial next step, equipping them to draw conclusions that are vital to understanding test results and spacecraft performance under the vibration environment.
The experience has also cultivated teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, essential qualities for success in engineering. These practical and interpersonal skills, combined with exposure to real-world challenges, will guide them for future success in the space sector. Overall, this comprehensive engagement aims to prepare students with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in space exploration and innovation.
