Space Threat Assessment Testbed (STAT)

STAT is a ground test facility for evaluating the performance of materials, components, subsystems, and small satellites in a test environment capable of providing conditions from low Earth orbit to geosynchronous operations.

STAT simulates natural orbital environment conditions ranging from quiet to various geomagnetic effects generated as a result of solar activity that can impact space assets. Self-induced environmental conditions associated with space systems may also be simulated during testing to investigate potential system-level interactions.

Test chamber conditions and test article observables may be accessible to program sponsors for test article monitoring and control under varying simulated space conditions. Local support is available at Arnold Engineering Development Complex for test planning and execution, and to conduct analysis of test results.

Using the STAT test cell for Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) of materials, components, subsystems, and evolving technologies in a representative space environment can lower development costs and reduce the risk of failure of mission-critical assets. The ability to simulate multiple environmental effects under controlled conditions in a single instrumented chamber provides significant flexibility to support customer requirements. Rapid reconfiguration of test articles and adjustments in test chamber conditions further contribute to a cost-effective test regimen.

SPECIFICATIONS

Test Section: 75cm x 75cm x 75cm (2.5 ft x 2.5ft x 2.5ft), 100 kg (220 lbm) maximum mass Chamber: 1x10-7 kPa (1x10-6 Torr) base pressure, 100 K temperature, housed in ISO Class 7 (Class 10,000) cleanroom

 

Natural Environment Induced Environment

Protons:
30 to 150 keV, 1x102 to 1x108 p+/cm2/sec

Electrons:
20 to 100 keV, 5x102 to 5x108 e-/cm2/sec

Solar:
120 to 2,500 nm photons at 1 sun (±20%)

Atomic Oxygen:
1x1010 to 2x1012 O/cm2/sec at 5eV

Outgassing:
up to 500 g space material

EP Backflux:
50 to 1,000 eV, 1x103 to 1x108 Xe+/cm2/sec

Charging:
induce and measure up to ±140 V