The AcubeSAT CubeSat (from the SpaceDot team, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki) has successfully completed a Thermal-Vacuum (TVAC) test campaign at ESA’s CubeSat Support Facility (CSF). Conducted over two weeks, the campaign verified that their CubeSat’s payload can operate in a space-like environment and, in parallel, the team has also qualified the satellite’s On-Board Computer (OBC) and Attitude Determination & Control Subsystem (ADCS). Only minor functional adjustments will be required to close the campaign. With environmental qualification complete, SpaceDot is now one step closer to their Manufacturing Readiness Review (MRR).
This TVAC milestone follows the earlier vibration qualification and leak test reported by ESA, which prepared the payload EQM for full space-environment testing.
The SpaceDot student team from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki has taken a definitive step toward flight of their 3U CubeSat. Through an intensive two-week campaign at ESA’s CubeSat Support Facility in Belgium, the team successfully completed Thermal-Vacuum (TVAC) testing of the payload’s Engineering Qualification Model while, in parallel, qualifying the satellite’s On-Board Computer (OBC) and Attitude Determination & Control Subsystem (ADCS).
TVAC testing is the spaceflight reality check. In space, there’s no air and temperatures can swing between very cold and very hot. TVAC testing recreates these conditions on Earth:
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Vacuum: The chamber’s air is pumped out to mimic vacuum in space.
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Hot/Cold cycles: The payload is heated and cooled repeatedly to simulate moving between sunlight and shadow.
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Function checks: At the temperature extremes, engineers check that the hardware still works properly.
Why it’s important?
If a device can survive and function in TVAC it gives good confidence that it will work reliably in orbit. For AcubeSAT, the payload performed nominally across all cycles, with only minor functional tweaks identified and promptly addressed, exactly what a qualification campaign is meant to achieve.
In the same window, the platform’s “brain and balance” were tested as well. The OBC, responsible for running flight software, handling commands and telemetry, and managing fault responses, along with the ADCS (sensors and computing that keep the satellite oriented correctly), together in the same PCB (Printed Circuit Board) were put to the test under thermal-vacuum stress across the temperature extremes. The test led to a successful thermal qualification of the PCB.
The TVAC successes follows earlier mechanical qualification on the shaker and a leak check that verified pressure integrity.
Beyond the technical milestones, the campaign delivered major educational value. Throughout the campaign, students led the work, and were supported by ESA academy’s engineers. They:
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Prepared test procedures and checklists
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Instrumented the payload and took care of the product and quality assurance practices
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Monitored data during vacuum and temperature cycling, working together to promptly resolve anomalies
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Analysed results and will compile formal test reports
This is industry-grade AIV (Assembly, Integration & Verification) experience, turning classroom knowledge into professional practice and investing in Europe’s next generation of space engineers. Running two test campaigns in parallel is not of a small feat yet the SpaceDot students were able to accept the challenge and deliver a successful double test campaign with the support of ESA Fly Your Satellite! Engineers.
The SpaceDot is now ready to enter the MRR, the gate that confirms the design, processes, and supply chain are prepared for building the flight model, completing final verifications, and moving toward flight readiness.
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