Arizona Space Institute, University of Arizona

The Arizona Space Institute is part of the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. Its mission is to support and make easier the pioneering space research that has been part of the university's heritage for over a century. It also offers its space test and operations facilities to outside clients.

The institute says the University of Arizona ranks first in astronomy and astrophysics since 1987. It also says the university ranks second in space sciences among public universities, fourth in Earth sciences, and sixth in NASA funded activities among public universities.

Most testing takes place in the Applied Research Building. Thermal vacuum chambers recreate space conditions such as vacuum, extreme temperatures and radiation. They test telecommunication satellites, spacecraft subsystems and instruments. Dynamics and vibration testing uses precision vibration and shaker tables. It applies controlled stress to find structural weaknesses and to check durability under simulated launch conditions.

An anechoic chamber supports electromagnetic compatibility and antenna measurement testing. It blocks outside interference, so engineers can measure a device's emissions and susceptibility. It also allows precise checks of antenna performance. These assembly, integration and test facilities are open to internal teams, outside clients and research partners.

The Multi-Mission Operations Center runs spacecraft operations in Tucson. It can run missions for NASA Class D and balloon-borne projects. It has a large control room with a 15-screen video wall and 25 workstations, plus three meeting rooms. Its services include spacecraft tracking, command uplink, telemetry downlink, pass scheduling, flight rule checking, command preparation, a query tool for earlier data and trending of engineering channels. Telemetry and commands are stored for the length of the mission plus three months.

The institute also lists integration areas, clean rooms, laboratories and manufacturing facilities. Clients can email the institute to ask about specifications, costs and availability.

Services

• Thermal vacuum testing
• Dynamics and vibration testing
• EMC and antenna measurement testing
• Multi-Mission Operations Center
• Spacecraft tracking and command
• Telemetry and data storage
• Integration and clean rooms
• Manufacturing facilities