The initial phase of testing focused on vibration endurance. Technicians placed ALEK on a shaker table that applied lateral motion to simulate horizontal vibrations during liftoff. A subsequent phase tested vertical oscillations using a separate shaker. More than 120 sensors captured real-time data, with teams from ESA and rocket manufacturer Avio analyzing the accelerations.
Following the vibration trials, ALEK faced acoustic testing inside Europe's largest sound chamber. High-powered speakers recreated the intense noise environment of a rocket launch, pushing the structure to withstand the overwhelming sound pressure levels generated at liftoff.
The final phase of testing simulated the shock environment ALEK will experience during separation from the Vega-C launch vehicle. For this, engineers mounted the unit atop a replica of Vega-C's fourth stage, fitted with devices to emulate the sudden jolt and impulse loads transmitted during ascent and staging. The shock tests were also carried out within the same acoustic chamber.
Passing all tests without issue, ALEK is now fully qualified for integration with the Vega-C for launch. Next on the validation roadmap is the simulation of Space Rider's orbital module avionics at Avio's facility in Colleferro, Italy.
Later this year, ESA will conduct a critical descent and landing test using a full-scale mockup of the Space Rider reentry module. The unit will be released from a helicopter to evaluate the deployment and guidance performance of its paraglider landing system, designed for autonomous and accurate terrestrial return.
Related Links
ALEK at ESA
Space Technology News - Applications and Research
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