- 2024-01-26
Our quality assurance team is involved in every manufacturing phase of CubeSats and small satellites to assess compliance with industry regulations, requirements, and design specifications. Their expertise is crucial in identifying potential risks and issues and implementing measures to mitigate them. Continuous monitoring and verification ensure we manufacture each CubeSat and small satellite with repeatability and reliability.
Finding the Middle Ground Between OldSpace and NewSpace Practices
Quality assurance is a major driver of the cost of any space mission, and is part of the reason why modern small satellites have become more affordable. However, cutting corners on quality assurance comes with its own risks and reliability issues that need to be considered in the context of any given mission. You can watch this video to learn how NanoAvionics bridges the gap between OldSpace reliability and NewSpace agility through our quality assurance practices.
Quality Control Process Development and Test Automation for CubeSats and Small Satellites
Developing and implementing advanced quality control processes and test automation systems helps us improve efficiency and reduce human error in CubeSat and small satellite manufacturing. These systems streamline manufacturing workflows, enable real-time monitoring, and enhance the traceability of each step. By leveraging automation technology, we can optimize the manufacturing process while ensuring consistent quality and adherence to the highest standards in CubeSat and small satellite production.
Subsystem Qualification for CubeSats and Small Satellites
Subsystem qualification involves subjecting individual subsystems of CubeSats and small satellites to rigorous tests to meet design specifications and performance requirements. This stage aims to validate that each subsystem can operate reliably in the harsh conditions of space. Conducting these tests helps us mitigate risks and address issues before integrating the subsystems into the complete CubeSat or small satellite.
Reliability and Radiation Tests for CubeSats and Small Satellites
By subjecting CubeSats and small satellites to tests under extreme temperatures and radiation, we can evaluate their ability to withstand such conditions in space without significant performance degradation or mission failure. Our dedicated Radiation Engineering Department tests critical components of CubeSats and small satellites against Heavy Ions and performs subsystem-level tests against Total Ionizing Dose and Single Event Effects (SEE) under high energy Proton Beam (200 MeV). These tests also give each mission quantitative predictions for its lifetime and performance in a given orbit.
To learn about the importance of radiation testing and some real-world anomaly examples caused by charged particles, we highly recommend watching our Space Radiation Webinar featuring an industry expert panel.
Anomaly Reviews in CubeSat and Small Satellite Manufacturing
Throughout CubeSat and small satellite manufacturing and operation, anomaly reviews address unexpected issues, identify root causes, and take corrective actions. Anomalies can occur in various stages, from subsystem testing to integration, qualification, and operations.
