ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY


ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING GOAL BY MOMENTUS ORBITAL SERVICE


Momentus has completed thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing of its Vigoride orbital service vehicle scheduled to fly on the SpaceX Transporter-6 mission in December. Thermal vacuum testing allows for the simulation of space conditions, including the temperature and altitude that the Vigoride spacecraft will experience during its mission. TVAC marks the final testing milestone for


the Vigoride orbital service vehicle (OSV), which has also undergone successful vibration testing and an array of sub-system tests, including comprehensive ground test campaigns for the solar arrays and the microwave electrothermal thruster (MET) propulsion system. “We’re now focused on completing


integration of our customer payloads and then preparing the vehicle for shipment to the launch site,” comments Momentus chief technology officer Rob Schwarz. The Momentus demonstration mission priorities include delivering customer payloads to orbit for Caltech and Qosmosys,


and testing Vigoride’s performance in space, particularly related to its MET propulsion. The MET uses water as a propellant and produces thrust by expelling very hot gases through a rocket nozzle. However, unlike a conventional chemical rocket engine, which creates heat through a chemical reaction, the MET heats propellant using microwave energy. The non-toxic water propellant enables simpler, safer and less expensive operations on Earth, and more sustainable in-space services. Momentus chief executive officer, John


Rood, says: “With TVAC complete, we’re excited to have passed another major milestone on the path to starting our next Vigoride demonstration mission with an improved version of this OSV and the opportunity to demonstrate our innovative green propulsion system that uses water as a propellant.”


❱❱ Thermal vacuum testing was the final trial in the environmental testing programme for the Vigoride orbital service vehicle


REED RELAY ELECTROSTATIC SHIELDING


Pickering Electronics has launched a new variant of its high-voltage Series 104 SIL/SIP reed relay family with optional electrostatic shielding between the switch and the coil to help minimise noise between the coil drive and high-voltage circuits. This new screening is in addition to


Pickering’s internal mu-metal screen which eliminates problems that would otherwise be experienced due to magnetic interaction when devices are closely stacked. Series 104 reed relays are ideal for such applications as mixed signal semiconductor testers, renewable technologies such as solar or EV battery testing, transformer or cable testing or any other automatic test equipment where high voltages are involved. Where mains voltages are switched, for example to control and isolate SCR or triac gates, they are the ideal choice. Four types of dry switches are available, capable of standing-off 1.5, 2, 3 and 4kV DC – another new introduction. The 3kV & 4kV versions have an increased clearance between the switch and coil pins to accommodate the higher voltage. Even higher voltage ratings are available to special order. Mercury wetted devices are


10 /// Testing & Test Houses /// December 2022


❱❱ High- voltage reed relays gain electrostatic shielding


also available for applications where bounce free switching is required. These latter devices are rated at 1,500V DC minimum stand-off, 500V DC switching at up to 50W. These miniature devices stack on a


6.35mm pitch, can feature one or two switches in a single package and are available in 1 Form A, 2 Form A & 1 Form B configurations with 5V, 12V or 24V coils and optional internal diode.


Commented Kevin Mallett, technical specialist at Pickering Electronics: “Our miniature high-voltage reed relays continue to be suitable for existing and new high- voltage applications, and adding the option of an electrostatic shield to minimise noise between the signal and control circuitry provides extra protection where required” Further parts with electrostatic shielding reed relays are planned for early in 2023.


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