Fleet Space Technologies is one of a growing number of Australian companies who are making their mark globally within the space sector. The company made history by launching Australia’s first four commercial nanosatellites in November 2018. Fleet is continuing its work on the Centauri Program, having launched its fifth and sixth satellites in 2021, and the next batch of satellites in 2022.

APC Technology has conducted vibration testing in compliance with the NASA-GEVS standard for Fleet’s latest solutions- Flight models Centauri 6, 7, and 8 plus a backup flight model. In addition, Fleet Space have recently started testing their A1 payload structure tests.

Testing involved Resonance search, Random vibration, Sine vibration and Quasi-Static Load Testings. The objective of the testing is to simulate the vibration that the equipment may experience during ground transportation through to the launch of the equipment into space.

CEO and Co-Founder of Fleet Space Technologies, Flavia Tata Nardini commented. “Being launch-ready requires rigorous product testing to NASA standards. This is an incredibly exciting time for Australia’s growing space industry and we are delighted to collaborate with an ever expanding ecosystem of world class technical partners. APC Technology has taken an existing in-house capability and expanded their skills and knowledge to be able to support companies like Fleet to access services locally. Testing our payloads at APC has made our ability to deliver on growing demand for universal connectivity with accuracy and efficiency.”

The flight models underwent a visual inspection following the testing to look for any physical degradation that may have occurred during the test. These results were compared to their structural models to understand if there were any discrepancies. This was followed by functional, performance RF and self tests to validate the operation of the payload and ensure the electronics are still performing to the expected level. The payloads then went through thermal Vacuum chamber (TVAC) testing to continue the environmental testing campaign.

APC Technology stands as a state-of-the-art facility, embodying excellence in replicating the tough conditions which products are designed to withstand.   The partnership with Fleet Space is an excellent example of how successful collaboration between local industry is helping deliver game-changing space testing technology and enhancing the state’s space capabilities from design, to launch, and beyond.

Looking towards the future, APC Technology continues to push boundaries. Recently, APC Technology's Engineer, Steven Port, collaborated with Fleet Space Technologies' Nicollas Alexandre and Adrian Fennell on vibration testing for their next-generation communication payloads. These payloads ensure seamless connectivity between Fleet Space's satellite constellation and ground-based seismic sensors, enabling real-time data collection for Exosphere.

For more information on our state-of-the-art Environmental Testing hub, visit our capabilities page or call us on 

08 8363 0400 to speak to an expert.