Spacecraft and satellite developers rely on advanced space simulation and thermal vacuum testing systems to validate performance before launch. As CubeSat missions become more complex, propulsion and maneuverability are critical to expanding mission capability. California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), a leader in CubeSat innovation, required a flexible vacuum chamber system capable of supporting both electric propulsion testing and thermal vacuum testing within a single platform. Maintaining high-vacuum conditions while managing continuous propellant flow presents a significant engineering challenge, and traditional approaches often require separate systems—adding cost, complexity, and facility constraints.
To address these challenges, Dynavac, a leading vacuum chamber manufacturer, engineered a 6 × 10 ft dual-purpose space simulation vacuum chamber for combined electric propulsion testing (EPT) and thermal vacuum testing (TVAC). The system maintains space-like conditions at mass flow rates from 0.1 to 10 mg/second using advanced pumping technologies, including 20 K cryogenic cold arrays for condensable gas capture and a liquid nitrogen-cooled beam dump to stabilize chamber pressure and thermal conditions. A modular design enables seamless conversion between propulsion testing and satellite thermal vacuum testing, while a gaseous nitrogen thermal conditioning unit provides precise temperature control from -180°C to 150°C. Installed in Cal Poly’s Space Propulsion Facility, the system delivers a flexible, high-performance space simulation solution for CubeSat propulsion development and spacecraft testing.
Download the case study here.
Read more here.