Through funding received from the Ontario Research and Development Challenge Fund and ETech (Center for Earth and Environmental Technologies), UTIAS/SFL has established key facilities to develop spacecraft systems found nowhere else in Canada. These facilities support the entire development cycle from conception and analysis, to design, layout, assembly, integration, and component and spacecraft-level testing prior to launch.

Cleanroom

A Class 10,000 clean room with Class 1,000 work area permits final integration, cleaning and testing of space systems and satellites prior to shipment to the launch site. The extremely clean Class 1,000 area enables the integration and preparation of highly sensitive optical equipment.

Three-Axis Motion Table

How do you recreate the three free rotational degrees of freedom one finds in space on Earth? Gravity is a major obstacle in performing reliable three-axis attitude verification tests. Fortunately, using technology provided by Utah State University, a three-axis motion table is available at UTIAS/SFL for just the purpose. With computer-controlled automatic mass balancing, spacecraft attitude control hardware and software can be tested and verified with confidence to accuracies under one degree.

Thermal Cycle Chambers

To ensure that our electronics survive the extreme conditions of space, UTIAS/SFL has a large Cincinnati Sub-Zero Z-16 thermal cycle chamber with temperature range from -75°C to 170°C capable of ±5°C increments. A smaller Tenny Jr. chamber with -85°C to 200°C temperature range allows us to test electronics to extreme temperature gradients of ±25°C by swapping between chambers. Data line portholes also permit functional testing during thermal soaks.

Small Thermal Vacuum Chamber

A small thermal vacuum chamber is available with approximate inner dimensions 9"x11"x3" for testing
components in a vacuum at different temperatures found in space. The chamber has analog, digital, and RF feedthrough connectors that allow components to be operated in thermal vacuum.

Microsatellite Simulations

Delays in the development cycle due to late software development are virtually eliminated by using computers to simulate the satellite and ground station, allowing programmers to develop flight code early in the proper development environments, using the proper interfaces. As hardware is developed, the simulated entities are replaced with the actual subsystems and components running the software that will ultimately be used in orbit. The system evolves into the satellite itself, ready for final integration and testing prior to launch.

A critical element of this facility is the RT-Lab hardware-in-the-loop system, provided by OPAL-RT. This system allows MATRIXx/SystemBuild models to be used to simulate attitude control systems, spacecraft dynamics, and environmental models with ease and simplicity. AutoCode C permits the real-time execution of SystemBuild models for seamless integration and testing of actual spacecraft hardware.

Computing Facilities

Our computing facilities consist of a networked collection of Pentium III and IV machines, with up to 512MB of RAM running Windows 2000 Professional. For structural analysis and design, high-end software such as Solid Edge V15 and I-DEAS ensure product quality and guaranteed performance. SINDA/G and NEVADA support detailed thermal analysis and control design, providing temperature predictions to within a few degrees of actual. Schematic capture and layout of custom computers and telemetry and command boards are performed using OrCAD Capture CIS, Express, and Layout Plus, special tools that are only found in the largest high-tech electronics companies.

To aid in designing our own radios, a rare educational agreement gives us access to the HP EESof Advanced Design System (Premier Version). Satellite Tool Kit helps make mission analysis and design simple and straightforward. Through UTIAS/SFL's powerful network of computers running the best and latest software, the development cycle time is reduced to an absolute minimum.

Ground Station

With capabilities in VHF/UHF, L-band, and S-band frequency bands, and fast download rates, UTIAS/SFL is using and modifying inexpensive commercial transceivers, converters, amplifiers, and terminal node controllers to handle the high demands of space science missions such as MOST.

A precision controlled two-meter dish permits communications in the smallest of contact windows. Custom upgrades to the hardware and software are easily accomplished, drawing upon the expertise developed at UTIAS/SFL.

Currently supported protocols include AX.25 and PACSAT, with future supported protocols including CCSDS and custom in-house developed formats. Other features include remote ground station control and operations through the internet.

Access to Vibration Test Facilities, Thermal Vacuum Chambers and Autoclaves

Through developing partnerships with government, universities, and business, UTIAS/SFL has access to other important but expensive facilities at extremely attractive rates. This includes thermal vacuum chambers and shaker tables at CSA's David Florida Laboratory and Instrument Calibration Facility (a.k.a. "MOPITT" Lab). Collaboration with Intec Aerospace Limited also permits access to expensive autoclaves for advanced composite manufacturing.

Assembly, Integration and Test Facilities

UTIAS/SFL has a full set of equipment to build custom surface-mount electronics. We also have a complete set of test support equipment to evaluate custom computer systems and radios, including network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, RF oscilloscopes and signal generators.