Aerospace: See and touch

The visitors at open door day were well aware that IABG is a “high-tech company.” However, what exactly do the large doors of the IABG test centres hide from public view? The numerous technologically minded visitors were able to form their own impression. The programme included tours of the space and the aeronautics test centres and of the nearby magnetic field simulation system.

IABG has been operating its space test centre since 1965. With its many test systems, it offers the entire range of services for the qualification of space systems. At a total of eight points, IABG IABG - Space Day - EMC-Laboratoryexperts explained the various tests, which contribute to the success of the European space missions. For example, space simulation, during which extremely high temperatures on the sunny side and extremely low temperatures on the dark side of a satellite are simulated. Or the acoustic chamber, in which the solar panels of a satellite are subjected to the high levels of acoustic stress that occur when the launching rockets starts or when the satellite enters into orbit. The fact that not only individual components but in fact an entire satellite could be viewed, with CryoSat, was a real highlight.

The tours through the laboratories of the test and analysis centre where for example a remarkable test system for the simulation of thermo-mechanical structural stress on spacecraft on re-entry into the earth‘s atmosphere is operated, were no less impressive. Visitors were gIABG - Space Day - Structural tests on the Tornadoiven the opportunity to view this system and were informed of its function and applications. However, in this laboratory the focus is on aeronautical tests. Structural tests on the Tornado and the static test on the prototype of a planned modern regional jet were explained in detail. “Our tests prove whether an aircraft will actually withstand the stresses that it will be subjected to in the course of its 25-year lifecycle at an airline. With regard to its mechanical behaviour we are, so to speak, taking a fast forward view into the future. Our structural tests are an indispensable element in the development and approval of aircraft, to guarantee safe operations in flight,” explained one of the IABG test engineers.

Several questions, however, also concerned the tests performed on the new double-story wide-bodied aircraft Airbus A380, the sections of which are currently travelling by ship to the new testing hall of IABG in Dresden. Last week the press reported of this spectacular event in detail.

“National Aerospace Day,” was initiated by the German Aerospace Centre (DLR).” On 18 September 2004, this national event was held for the seventh time. Mrs Edelgard Bulmahn, Federal Minister for Education and Research, is the patron of this event.