What is TVAC Testing?

Thermal Vacuum Chamber (TVAC) Testing is a critical test done to evaluate how equipment and components will operate in space. TVAC testing uses a thermal vacuum chamber to simulate space environmental conditions as closely as possible by removing air and pressure, and subjecting components to thermal cycles (alternation of high and low temperatures, -200 °C to + 100 °C), while the pressure is maintained at a high vacuum level (i.e., typically below 10-6 mbar).

The thermal vacuum chamber is made up of high-quality stainless steel and comes in various shapes (for example, cylinder, box, cone) and sizes (from benchtop to large size).

TVAC testing is used to analyze how components, sub-assemblies, and mission-critical equipment used to build satellites and space crafts will operate in space. The thermal behavior and functionality of components are evaluated to ensure mission success and survivability of space components, as well as serves to space components qualification and material research used in satellite/spacecraft. TVAC testing helps identify design issues before the components are integrated into large systems, saving time and money.