ESA awards TÜV NORD GROUP certification for satellite tests

The European Space Agency (ESA) has granted the ALTER SPACE TEST CENTER official certification for the performance of satellite tests. This transforms the test center of ALTER, a TÜV NORD GROUP company, from a recognized test facility to a fully certified laboratory for space testing and qualification.

The certification includes several state-of-the-art testing facilities in the Madrid laboratory. These include a thermal vacuum system that simulates the extreme conditions in space and ensures that the satellite components can withstand the vacuum and temperature fluctuations. A mechanical shock tester is used to simulate the intense forces that occur during a rocket launch. There is also a vibration and shock test facility that specializes in evaluating the resistance of satellites to vibrations and shocks. Finally, electromagnetic compatibility tests ensure that the satellites can function in the electromagnetic environment of space.

Space test centers must meet stringent requirements in terms of temperature, humidity, cleanliness and electrostatic discharge (SD), in addition to internal protocols and procedures that guarantee reliable results. Investment from ALTER enables these standards to be met and provides the New Space sector with a facility tailored to the specific requirements of small satellite testing.

“Cleanliness and contamination control are critical factors in the testing of small satellites. Our ISO Class 8 cleanroom ensures a safe, particle-free environment, which is essential for successful testing. At ALTER, we have modern infrastructure and highly qualified personnel to meet the demanding standards of the space sector,” said Alina Spuma, Cleanliness and Contamination Control Expert at ALTER SPACE TEST CENTER.

The test center supports a large number of space missions by testing the necessary equipment and examining small satellites.

“Successfully passing the European Space Agency audit demonstrates our strong commitment to excellence and high quality in our work. ALTER has created an environment that meets the highest standards in the industry and enables small satellite tests to be carried out with a guarantee of success,” said Emilia Santiago, ALTER Quality Director.

ALTER has more than 35 years of experience in the space sector and cooperates with aerospace companies worldwide. This extensive experience, combined with a modern infrastructure and dedicated professionals, underlines ALTER's role as a partner for space missions and small satellite testing.

About the European Space Agency:

The European Space Agency (ESA) provides Europe's gateway to space.

ESA is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1975 with the mission of shaping the development of Europe's space capacity and ensuring that investment in space benefits the citizens of Europe and the world.

ESA has 22 member states: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia are associate members.

ESA has established formal cooperation with four EU member states. Canada participates in some ESA programs under a cooperation agreement.

By coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its members, ESA is able to carry out programs and activities that go far beyond the scope of a single European country. In particular, it works with the EU on the implementation of the Galileo and Copernicus programs and with EUMETSAT on the development of meteorological missions.

Find out more about ESA at www.esa.int/

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