1. Kentucky Space Facilities for satellite development, testing and operation
Twyman Clements1, David Jones1 ,Jason Bratcher1, Jessamyn Delgado2, Daniel Erb1, Tyler Doering1, Anthony Karam1, Samir Rawashdeh1, Nate Rhodes1, Prasanna Padmanabhan1,Mike Schulte4, Jason Smathers2, Marc Beck2,
Dr. James Lumpp1, Dr. Ben Malphrus2,
University of Kentucky1, Morehead State University2, University of Louisville3, Kentucky Community Technical College System4, Western Kentucky University5, Murray State University6
Abstract
Cleanroom Facility
Thermal Vacuum Facility
Currently a 12’x18’ Class 10,000 Terra Universal clean room facility is under construction at the University of Kentucky’s Space Systems Laboratory. This upgrade will provide clean space to prevent contamination of all Kentucky Space payload hardware during assembly and integration and is equipped with ESD-safe tools and mats. Also the facility allows for tighter control and documentation of all hardware as any work will now be centrally located. The flight model of KySat-1 will be assembled in this clean room during the summer of 2009.
The thermal vacuum system at UK’s Space Systems Laboratory can be configured for the different needs of the program. Bakeout profiles to provide initial outgassing of flight hardware can be achieved up to 390 K. A liquid nitrogen cooling system allows for thermal transfer as low as 77 K. The combination of these two systems allows for thermal cycling to simulate orbital heating and cooling profiles. Future plans for the facility will allow for more accurate spacecraft thermal modeling.
In 2006 The Kentucky Space Consortium began developing its first satellite, KySat-1, which is scheduled to launch in 1Q 2010.  A major part of this effort was the establishment of facilities to support the development and verification of the satellite.  At the University of Kentucky, Kentucky Space operates a clean room, a thermal vacuum test system and a vibration test system all dedicated to small satellite testing. The 3.3 ft3 vacuum chamber allows component testing as well as fully-integrated operational environment testing of small satellites and is currently capable of achieving Pascals. A thermal shroud, heated with six electric patch heaters and cooled by a liquid nitrogen system, allows for out-gassing procedures as well as thermal cycle testing to simulate orbital heating and cooling profiles. The Universities shaker facility allows for sine, random, and natural frequency testing for small satellites to mimic mission conditions and assure payload quality. This poster describes our efforts to date to establish clean room facilities, a vibration testing system, and a thermal vacuum system for bake-out and thermal cycle testing capable of satellite verification and launch vehicle interface to NASA GEVS levels.  Testing of KySat-1 is currently underway with the goal of delivering the fully tested satellite for integration in 3Q 2009.
RF Testing Facility
In June 2009 Morehead State University will open a brand new Space Science Center that will greatly increase Kentucky Space’s Infrastructure including a 18’x30’x25’anechoic chamber and a far field range test facility to allow for design and characterization of communication systems.
VHF/UHF Earth Station
Vibration Facility
UHF/VHF Satellite tracking stations are located at both Morehead’s Space Science Center and the University of Kentucky's Space Systems Laboratory for redundant up/down-link capability. Both systems use computer automated satellite tracking to maintain a reliable link with the orbiter.
S-Band Earth Station
The University of Kentucky’s shaker facility allows for sine, random, and natural frequency testing for small satellites to mimic mission conditions and assure payload quality. The current system consists of a MB dynamics C10E shaker and a system amplifier that together is capable of 1200lbs at maximum sine wave testing with a frequency range of Hz. Currently the controlling software is being formalized for a wider array of testing and to assure consistency with other testing facilitates.
A 21-meter fully steerable dish was constructed at Morehead’s Space Sciences Center with design assistance from NASA. The dish allows for S-band communications as well as radio astronomy.