Author: Fumiya MISHUKO
Vibration tests on the Ten-koh 2 flight model were carried out from 16 (Wed) to 18 (Fri) November at Advanced Technology Centre for Environmental testing in Uenohara-shi, Yamanashi prefecture.
Do you know what a vibration test is?
Generally speaking, when operating a product, vibrations and shocks are inevitably transmitted to the product due to the operating environment, and there is a possibility that the generated vibrations may cause defects in the product. Of course, the products are designed to be used without any problems even if vibrations or shocks occur, but vibration tests are carried out to investigate whether the products are really strong enough to withstand such vibrations and/or shocks.
In the case of a satellite, vibration test is conducted to verify the design and the flight model meet the requirements and are free of workmanship and material defects, respectively. In the case of a satellite’s flight model, the vibration test is conducted to verify the satellite will survive the launch environment imposed by the rocket. This is an important milestone for the mission to be accepted for the launch.
As this is the most important test for the structure team, all members of the team were very tense during the test. At the same time this was the first experience of conducting a vibration test using a flight model for most of the structure team students. Although it was very hard, we were able to complete the test without any incident.
All project members will continue to prepare for the launch of Ten-Koh 2. We look forward to your continued support.