Simulating Space, On Earth: Thermal Vacuum Testing at MGA California

Earth’s atmosphere is our invisible shield protecting life from extreme temperatures, harmful radiation, and the vacuum of space. Without it, temperatures would fluctuate, radiation would flood the surface, and our blue skies would be gone.

In space, satellites and spacecraft operate without that protective layer, exposed to a variety of harsh conditions. To ensure these systems perform flawlessly beyond Earth’s atmosphere, they must be tested under simulated space conditions, which are often impossible to replicate using traditional environmental chambers.

Building on decades of experience with traditional environmental chambers, MGA aims to deepen our knowledge of space conditions through technological innovation. With the growing demand to explore space, we are now proud to announce that our California facility now offers in-house thermal vacuum testing to ensure satellites and spacecraft components operate as intended.

Thermal Vacuum vs. Traditional Environmental Chambers: What Sets Them Apart?

While both thermal vacuum chambers and traditional environmental chambers are designed to test equipment under extreme conditions, they serve very different purposes, especially when it comes to simulating space environments. 

Traditional Environmental Chambers replicate conditions found within Earth's atmosphere. They can simulate high and low temperatures, humidity, and altitude, making them ideal for testing terrestrial equipment or systems that operate within or near Earth’s surface. These chambers rely on air or gas to transfer heat and are limited by atmospheric pressure conditions.

Thermal Vacuum Chambers (TVAC), on the other hand, are designed to simulate the vacuum of space. They combine extreme temperature cycling with high vacuum levels, which is typically measured in “torr” through various vacuum pressure gauges. These levels often drop down to pressures near 10⁻⁶ torr or lower to closely mimic the thermal and pressure conditions found in orbit. Without air or convection, heat is transferred through radiation alone, just as it is in space. This makes TVAC testing essential for satellites, spacecraft components, and any equipment bound for space missions.

As space missions become more ambitious and timelines more demanding, reliable thermal vacuum testing is more critical than ever. With our new thermal vacuum capability now online, we’re ready to support your mission from the ground up. Whether you’re looking for technical specifications, chamber capabilities, or a customized quote, our team is here to provide you with comprehensive solutions that meet your needs. Fill out our contact form to get in touch with an engineer today! 

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