INPE and CAST Complete CBERS-3 Electrical Testing

Hello reader!

It follows a note published on the day (05/31) in the website of the National Institute for Space Research (INPE) stating that the INPE and CAST complete CBERS-3 Electrical Testing.

Duda Falcão

INPE and CAST Complete

CBERS-3 Electrical Testing

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Electrical testing of the China-Brazil satellite CBERS-3, whose launch is scheduled for late November, were completed by experts from the Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais - INPE) and the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) on May 25 in Beijing. These tests precede the environmental tests (simulating the conditions in orbit), which are programmed to happen between June and September.

INPE is responsible for the CBERS Program in Brazil (China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite), which has been a partnership with China for over 20 years and assured both countries handle remote sensing technology for Earth observation.

In China, the activities of assembly, integration and testing (AIT) of the satellite take place at the 529 Institute and at the Space Center, both belonging to CAST. The goals of AIT activities are: assembling the flight model of the satellite, to demonstrate the proper functioning during similar environmental conditions of the launch and orbit, and identify and correct any problems.

The CBERS-3 AIT began after the sending of the satellite structure to China, which was at the Integration and Testing Laboratory (Laboratório de Integração e Testes – LIT) of INPE before. Chinese and Brazilian Experts carried out the propulsion subsystem integration (assembly and alignment of thrusters and installation of the pipe connecting hydrazine tanks to thrusters and valves) and the leak testing, both concluded in August, 2011.

In October 2011, the first flight equipment developed, manufactured and tested by the Brazilian industry were sent to the 529 Institute along with Chinese equipment, to be installed in the satellite structure and started electrical testing.

Due to complexity of the satellite, electrical tests were shared in phases, called A, B, C and D. The satellite was gradually integrated and tested in each phase.

The environmental testing in special infrastructure (anechoic chamber and vacuum chamber) will take place at the Space Center. At the end, the satellite will be ready for the launch campaign, which might begin in October.

CBERS-3 at CAST facilities, in China

Source: WebSite of the National Institute for Space Research (INPE)