SPACE EXPLORATION
Making Space For the Next Big Discovery
At Edwards, we specialize in cutting-edge vacuum solutions tailored for the rigorous demands of space simulation and research. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our comprehensive range of products, from advanced ion vacuum pumps used in planetary exploration to versatile systems ensuring spacecraft readiness through meticulous leak testing and ultra-high vacuum conditions.
Our solutions are engineered to support the final frontier of space exploration, meeting the stringent NASA testing standards. Whether you are looking for a turn-key systems for thermal vacuum testing or roughing pumps for large chamber evacuation, Edwards equips you with the technology to test and validate under the exact conditions your space missions require.
Trusted Vacuum Solutions for Space Simulation & Testing Applications
explore our extensive range of vacuum solutions, which include our dry nXRi multi-stage roots vacuum pump, Turn-Key TVAC Systems and Bakeout Systems, vacuum gauges, ELD500 helium mass spectrometer leak detector, nEXT turbopump, and nXDS dry scroll pump. Products that have been expertly engineered for applications like:
- Space Simulation and Qualification Testing
- Thermal Vacuum Bakeout/Part Outgassing
- Large Chamber Evacuation
- Onboard Spacecraft Spectrometry
- Thruster Firing and Propulsion Testing
- Altitude Simulation
- …and much more
Our Vacuum System Capabilities
Edwards Vacuum offers state-of-the-art Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) systems designed for comprehensive space simulation testing. Our systems provide precise thermal and vacuum conditions to ensure reliable performance and durability of space-bound components. Edwards TVAC systems ensure that your space technology components meet the rigorous demands of space environments, providing accurate and reliable testing solutions while also allowing you to meet the testing standards of NASA GSFC-STD-7000 and NASA-STD-7012A.
KEY CAPABILITIES:
Temperature Range: -180°C to +150°C, with options for Refrigerating Heating Circulators or LN2 systems for ultra-low temperatures. Temperatures required outside this range can be evaluated upon request.
Chamber Sizes: Our chamber solutions are available in various sizes, ranging from 0.3 m (1 ft) to 6 m (20 ft) in diameter, and can be customized to any required length. Both cylindrical and cubic designs are offered, with chamber materials available in stainless steel or aluminum.
Vacuum Levels: Achieve pressures from low vacuum to ultra-high vacuum (UHV), suitable for various mission profiles, including Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and deep space missions.
Custom Integrations: Integration of primary pumps, turbopumps, cryopumps, ion pumps, and advanced monitoring tools like vacuum gauges, RGAs, and helium leak detectors.
These systems are designed to test the performance and efficiency of spacecraft propulsion systems such as ion thrusters or chemical propulsion engines. Thruster testing chambers allow engineers to evaluate how these propulsion systems function in space-like conditions, such as vacuum environments. Testing helps determine the thruster’s behavior in real-world conditions, including how exhaust behaves in space and whether the thruster's performance meets mission requirements.
These systems are used to remove volatile compounds from materials and components before they are launched into space. In space, materials can release trapped gases, which can interfere with delicate instruments or contaminate sensitive surfaces. A bake-out or degassing chamber heats the components under vacuum to release and remove these gases, ensuring that space hardware remains stable and clean during operation.
KEY CAPABILITIES:
Maximum Temperature Rating: 150°C
NASA Compliant: Compliance with NASA MSFC Technical Standard MSFC-SPEC-1238 (Thermal Vacuum Bakeout Specification For Contamination Sensitive Hardware)
Clean & Safe Operation: Bakeout procedure consists of heating flight hardware in a clean, certified vacuum system (< 1E-5 Torr) at highest temperature permitted without endangering the hardware but at least 10°C above in-flight operating extreme, assuming this temperature does not exceed the maximum exposure temperature.
TML testing chambers are specifically designed to measure the total mass loss and outgassing of materials when exposed to vacuum and elevated temperatures. This is crucial for ensuring that spacecraft materials do not lose significant mass or emit harmful gases during their time in space. For example, materials used in spacecraft structures or electronics are tested for TML to ensure long-term reliability.
Our Vacuum Solutions
Compliance with Standards for Space Qualification
Navigating the stringent NASA GSFC-STD-7000 and NASA-STD-7012A standards is no small feat. Edwards Vacuum simplifies this with robust vacuum and leak testing solutions. Whether you need a turn-key system for thermal vacuum testing or the components to assemble your own, we provide reliable setups that meet and exceed these rigorous space qualification standards.
Need assistance navigating qualification standards? Talk to our experts:
Your Partner of Choice
At Edwards, we combine over a century of expertise with cutting-edge innovation to provide world-class vacuum solutions tailored to the unique challenges of space simulation and research. As a trusted partner in the industry, we are committed to delivering performance, reliability, and value to every mission.
Why Choose Edwards?
Unmatched Expertise
With decades of innovation in vacuum technology and over 100 years of history, Edwards leads the way in delivering advanced solutions for the most demanding applications.Customizable Solutions
We design systems tailored to meet your operation’s precise needs, optimizing performance and efficiency through the latest modeling techniques and configurations.Global Standards Compliance
Our solutions are built to meet and exceed NASA and international testing benchmarks, ensuring your technology is mission-ready.Efficiency & Reliability
Our high-performance systems feature low noise, compact designs, and scalability, providing the best results for your investment.
