We give you space on earth.
The name IABG has been closely linked with the space industry. This is due, among other things, to our Space
Test Centre, which is coordinated by the European Space Agency ESA. Hardly any major German or European space
programme has been realised over the past few decades without assistance from the IABG.
Many years of experience and the adaptability of our facilities make us an ideal partner for demanding product
tests. The basis for our continuing success is provided by the flexibility and technological expertise of our
staff as well as by our technical precision – in short: highest quality standards for man and machine.
Together with our French partner Intespace we established the ETS European Test Services in Noordwijk, the
Netherlands. Taking this step we developed the ESA plant capacities which enable us to test even the biggest
space structures.
Originally our services were developed for the space sector. Today, a whole range of other sectors, for example
the electrical, automotive, defence and aviation industries, benefit from our lead in product qualification.
Expert tips for the universe.
We advise our customers on test setup and test planning as well as on the selection and sequence of specifications.
We support them in the analysis and interpretation of test and measurement results and help in solving any problems
that arise.
Satellites have to pass the matriculation test.
Before a satellite is launched, it has to undergo tough tests: in the acoustic noise test laboratory and in
shock and vibration facilities we simulate the loadings which are encountered during launch. In addition to
the effects of the vacuum, coldness of space and solar radiation, even the satellite’s movements relative
to the sun are studied in a space simulator. We also test the functioning of the scientific equipment when subjected
to strong magnetic fields using a facility which is unique in Europe. Altogether we already tested more than
120 satellites and major components.
ARIANE – one of our major tasks.
The IABG has tested and qualified major structures, ranging from the ARIANE 2 to the latest ARIANE 5 Plus.
For example, our experts determined the deformation and vibration behaviour of the payload section with the
upper propulsion stage and the booster rockets. In vibration tests the launch conditions for the rocket engine,
parts of the main stage and the upper propulsion stage were simulated. The IABG also conducted extensive dynamic
qualification tests on the key unit of the ARIANE, the cryogenic ESC-A.
CHAMP became a champion with us.
The German research satellite CHAMP is conducting long-term measurements of the magnetic field and of the
earth’s field of gravity. Before it could do so it had to pass our mechanical tests, acoustical tests,
space simulation and magnetic property tests.
We are helping the Rosetta to land.
Under the Rosetta satellite project the Rosetta Lander has been tested over the past two years at various
IABG laboratories. Rosetta is designed to study a comet which is a million kilometres away, and is intended
to be launched into space in 2004. After the probe has landed, studies of the comet’s ground material
are intended to provide information on how the universe developed. |
