Thermal Vacuum Testing Services
Protect your mission-critical aerospace and space components with NASA-recognized thermal vacuum testing that simulates real space and high-altitude environments, identifying issues before system integration. Industry-leading capabilities offer extreme temperature cycling, including thermal vacuum bakeout testing (in excess of 180°C) to remove impurities and contaminants, helping you meet aerospace and space qualification standards while keeping projects on time and within budget.
What are Thermal Vacuum Testing Services at Element?
Thermal vacuum testing (TVAC) simulates space and upper atmosphere conditions by combining temperature cycling with vacuum environments. It exposes components and assemblies to extreme temperatures in a controlled vacuum, replicating thermal extremes and near-zero pressure conditions of space and high-altitude aerospace environments.
At Element, we provide advanced thermal vacuum chamber testing for aerospace and space components, including aircraft systems, spacecraft, satellites, and payloads, maintaining clean, contamination-controlled environments for material and product testing. This testing validates structural stability, material behavior, outgassing performance, and functional reliability, including thermal vacuum bakeout testing to remove impurities and contaminants.
What Can Element Offer You For Thermal Vacuum Testing Services?
Components and products we test
Components and products we test
We test a comprehensive range of space-ready components and materials in our thermal vacuum chambers. Our testing capabilities cover everything from individual components to complete sub-assemblies, environmental seals, and mission-critical equipment requiring sterile test environments.
- Space flight components and assemblies
- Mission-critical equipment
- Environmental seals and rings
- High-pressure temperature systems
- Vacuum-rated materials
Key tests offered
Key tests offered
Our thermal vacuum testing program delivers precise environmental simulation for space applications, helping you identify design issues before components are integrated into larger systems, saving substantial time and money. We offer comprehensive testing capabilities that replicate the extreme conditions your components will face in space.
- Temperature cycling from cryogenic to 180°C
- Vacuum testing to 1 x 10-6 @ 150°C
- Air-to-air thermal shock testing
- Vacuum thermal bakeout testing in excess of 180°C
- HPHT program testing
Methods and solutions offered
Methods and solutions offered
We provide end-to-end thermal vacuum testing solutions with detailed monitoring and precise control. Our advanced chamber technology ensures accurate simulation of space environments while maintaining pristine test conditions.
- Continuous temperature and pressure monitoring
- Comprehensive data logging
- N2/Argon backfill capability
- Multiple vacuum feedthrough options
- Independent thermocouple monitoring
Cutting-edge equipment we use
Cutting-edge equipment we use
Our advanced thermal vacuum chambers deliver precise environmental simulation with comprehensive monitoring capabilities. The system features state-of-the-art controls and multiple connection options to support your testing requirements.
Key specifications:
- Interior dimensions: 28.5" W x 24.5" H x 26" D
- Temperature range: Cryogenic to above 180°C
- Temperature uniformity: ±6.5% of set point (oven empty)
- Platen uniformity: ±3% of set point
- Heating/cooling rates: 7°C/minute heating, 5.1°C/minute cooling
- Vacuum capability: 1 x 10-6 @ 150°C or better
Which labs offer this service
Which labs offer this service
- Element Huntsville, Alabama, United States
- Element Los Angeles, California, United States
- Element Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Element Berlin, Germany
- Element Seville, Spain
- Element Warwick, United Kingdom
Standards we meet and the materials we test
Thermal vacuum testing programs align with recognized space and environmental qualification standards, depending on mission, regulatory, and customer requirements. These may include:
- NASA environmental test standards
- ECSS space requirements
- MIL-STD-1540 for space system environmental testing
- Customer-specific spacecraft qualification specifications
- ASTM E595 for outgassing evaluation (total mass loss and collected volatile condensable materials)
Space systems and assemblies
- Space flight components and sub-assemblies
- Space qualification equipment and assemblies
- Mission-critical equipment
- Satellite subsystems
- Complete spacecraft assemblies
Electronic and functional components
- Avionics units
- Batteries
Mechanical and structural components
- Environmental seals and rings
- Structural hardware
- Propulsion components
Optical and specialized components
- Optical assemblies
Materials and test-specific applications
- High pressure-high temperature (HPHT) programs
- Vacuum bakeout materials and systems
- Components and materials for any project that requires a sterilized test environment
Your Challenges, Our Solutions
Space failure prevention
Simulating real-world space environment
Demanding space qualification standards
Costly integration delays
Why Choose Element
Space Industry Recognition
Precision testing Capabilities
Comprehensive Monitoring
Global Testing Network
1 x 10-6 @ 150ºC vacuum testing capability
>180 °C capabilityExpanded thermal range
±6.5%temperature uniformity
7°C/minute heating ramp rate
Frequently asked questions
How is thermal vacuum testing performed in a laboratory setting?
Thermal vacuum testing is performed by placing hardware in a vacuum chamber, where pressure is reduced to space-like levels and thermal shrouds cycle temperatures across mission-defined ranges. During testing, instrumentation continuously monitors performance, structural response, and functional operation throughout the exposure period.
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