Metop-SG Microwave Imager Instrument Microvibration Campaign
The MicroWave Imager (#MWI) is one of the key instruments aboard the MetOp-SG type B satellites, designed to monitor precipitation and provide insights into sea ice extent. During operation, the instrument is in a continuous rotation which can generate #microvibrations that may affect the pointing performance of other instruments on board: limiting and verifying these microvibrations through dedicated tests is crucial.
The #Challenge: Measuring the forces and torques caused by microvibrations on the ground is complicated by several disturbances present during testing but not in orbit: a well-designed test setup is essential to minimize these disturbances.
The #Solution: At the Airbus EVT test center in Toulouse, a dedicated test facility has been developed, featuring a pneumatic suspension system to isolate the test bench from external noise. This setup was optimized based on results gathered during the MWI EM test campaign, improving its effectiveness for the PFM model testing.
Addressing Aerodynamic #Disturbances: The instrument’s shape also introduces aerodynamic disturbances, which were reduced by conducting tests in a controlled helium atmosphere.
Simulating #InOrbitConditions: The test was performed with a custom off-loading device designed by OHB Italia to simulate zero-gravity conditions and obtain more representative measurements of bearing noise at higher frequencies.
All these elements contributed to creating a complex and innovative test setup, with valuable lessons learned during the MWI testing campaigns.
#OHBItalia #MetOpSG #MWI #SpaceInnovation #Microvibrations #SatelliteTesting #ESA
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