Instrument Description
SSPSF houses two thermal vacuum chambers. The chamber systems consist of cylindrical testing chambers (6 ft. in diameter and 9 ft. long), vacuum systems, liquid nitrogen systems, chilled and domestic water systems, two gas manifold systems, control instrumentation, and data acquisition systems. The radioisotope power system (RPS) is placed inside the chamber, a high vacuum is established (10-6 Torr), and the electrical output is measured. The primary difference between the two chambers is that one is equipped with a cryogenic shroud that simulates the coldness of space (-185 to 120°C).
Applications
The thermal vacuum chamber tests are part of several steps in ensuring proper assembly and finished product quality of the RPS. Both thermal vacuum chambers are used to simulate near-earth space vacuum for performance testing of the RPS in support of space missions.
Specifications
Cylindrical test chambers: 6 ft. diameter, 9 ft. long
High vacuum range: 10-6 Torr
One chamber is equipped with a cryogenic shroud simulating the coldness of space: -185 to 120°C