SPAIN | AEROESPACIAL

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.
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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.

Execution Date:

2025

Location:

Torrejón de Ardoz (Madrid)

Sector:

Aerospace

Client:

How we made it happen

Implemented advanced technologies in different areas.

To optimize the thermal vacuum conditions, systems were integrated to ensure a vacuum level of less than 1×10-⁶ mbar, allowing more accurate
 systems that ensured a vacuum level below 1×10-⁶ mbar, allowing more accurate tests in simulated space environments.

The test capability for extreme temperatures was extended,
from +150 °C to -186°C, ensuring optimal conditions
for the validation of space equipment and systems.

Specific technologies were incorporated that minimized external vibrations, reducing interference and improving stability during testing.ecnologies were incorporated that minimized the external
vibrations, which reduced interference and improved the
stability during the tests..

Integration was strengthened through specialized tools,
such as thermal plates, mass spectrometers and
data acquisition systems with 250 temperature channels,
facilitating better control and analysis of the assays.
The TVAC-Andromeda, with a diameter of 2 meters and a
depth of 3 meters, allowed testing on
large systems, expanding the capabilities of the
laboratory.

OUR CONTRIBUTION

Some of our products and services applied to this project

Internal volume 9400L

Horizontal camera position

Shroud of 2000 mm diameter x 3000 mm deep

Shroud temperature range: -192ºC to +150ºC.

Temperature range on the heating plate: -180ºC to +150ºC.

Vacuum limit: 1×10-6 mbar

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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

Other projects and clients that have counted on us

GROUP COMPANIES

The synergy of our companies is the key to our success.

We have specialized in the needs of our customers and the technologies they require, maximizing the capabilities of each brand with the synergy of the Alava Group itself.

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