Space instrument development, manufacture and test

1m diameter chambers in clean assembly area

Our sub-Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics has been developing space instruments since the 1970s and is experienced in various areas of design and manufacturing for space use including :

• Mechanical design
• Thermal design
• Focal plane design and manufacture
• Calibration target design and manufacture
• Facilities for CAD and CAM
• Product assurance
• Planetary protection requirements for planetary missions
• Flight electronics manufacture including flight flexible cabling based on etched circuits produced in the Department’s Photofabrication Unit

2.2m Chamber with vibration isolated optical bench
The pre-flight calibration of multiple instruments has been carried out in chambers in our clean areas and we have facilities for thermal vacuum, vibration and shock testing.