AEROSPACE | SPAIN
Grupo Álava boosts innovation in space testing with its solution for TVAC-Andromeda
Implementation of state-of-the-art technology for the upgrade and expansion of the air conditioning and particle cleaning facilities at INTA's Technological Campus.
PROJECT OBJECTIVE
Grupo Álava boosts innovation in space testing with its solution for TVAC-Andromeda
The TVAC-Andromeda Project of the National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA) aims to modernize the N-09 building to carry out climate preparation, verification and testing activities in space projects, complying with "ISO 8" Clean Area conditions. This initiative includes the updating and expansion of the air conditioning and particle cleaning facilities in the Climatic Environmental Testing Laboratory, located in INTA's Technological Campus in Torrejón de Ardoz. A new space thermal vacuum simulator, known as TVAC Andromeda, has been installed in this laboratory, with dimensions of Ø 2 m x L = 3 m and specific characteristics for testing optical systems for space applications.
The TVAC Andromeda is designed to operate in a temperature range from +150 °C to -186 °C, and is equipped with various auxiliary equipment.
Grupo Álava has played a key role in the modernization of the Environmental Testing Laboratory of INTA's Space Systems Subdirectorate , focusing its contribution on providing precision climatic testing in vacuum conditions and clean room environments with ISO 8 certification.
Date of execution:
2025
Location:
Torrejón de Ardoz (Madrid)
Sector:
Aerospace
Client:
How we made it happen
Implemented advanced technologies in different areas.
To achieve this, advanced technologies have been implemented in different areas. In the optimization of thermal vacuum conditions, systems capable of guaranteeing a vacuum level of less than 1×10-6 mbar have been integrated, allowing more accurate testing in simulated space environments. In terms of thermal control, test capability has been improved with extreme temperatures ranging from +150°C to -186°C, ensuring ideal conditions for the validation of space equipment and systems.
Technologies have also been incorporated to reduce external vibrations, minimizing interferences and guaranteeing greater stability in the tests. In addition, the integration of auxiliary equipment has been reinforced through the incorporation of specialized tools such as thermal plates, mass spectrometers and data acquisition systems with 250 temperature channels, improving the control and analysis of the tests. All this is complemented by a large thermal vacuum simulator, the TVAC-Andromeda, with a diameter of 2 meters and a depth of 3 meters, which allows testing of large-scale systems.
RESULTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Adaptable and flexible technology
Thanks to these solutions implemented by Grupo Álava, TVAC-Andrómeda will be able to carry out more precise and efficient tests under extreme conditions, facilitating the development of space optical systems and improving the reliability of the equipment to be used in future space missions.
The implementation of projects of this magnitude is within the reach of very few companies, and only those with extensive experience can undertake them with guaranteed success. Grupo Álava, thanks to its experience and knowledge, reaffirms its commitment to innovation and technological development in the aerospace sector, providing cutting-edge solutions for the most demanding challenges.
OUR EXPERIENCE
