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Space

Specialized Support for Space & Satellite Programs

Boeing CST-100 Starliner Weight and CG of Large Objects and Spacecraft
Boeing CST-100 Starliner

Raptor Scientific manufactures test, measurement and ground support equipment for spacecraft design, production, and testing. Our instruments are used throughout the world to support and measure spacecraft and satellites of all sizes. Our customers include NASA, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Thales Alenia Space (Italy), JAXA (Japan), NSPO (Taiwan), KARI (South Korea), and Turkish Aerospace Industries. We support large satellites and spacecraft with Mass Properties Measurement Instruments, Igniter Circuit Testers, Pressure, Temperature, Torque & Force Measurement Instruments, and Cleaning and Contamination Prevention Instruments.

Space Programs that Raptor Scientific Supports:

  • Aerojet Rocketdyne
  • Boeing C ST-100 Starliner
  • NASA Orion Multi-purpose Crew Vehicle
  • NASA Lunar Explorer (LADEE), Mars Curiosity Rover, Perseverance Rovers
  • Airbus Defense and Space
  • Astro Pak
  • Blue Origin
  • JPL Mars Science Curiosity Rover
  • Iridium Satellite Constellation
  • JPL Galileo Jupiter Spacecraft
  • Jacobs Technology
  • Johns Hopkins University
Perseverance Rover

Mass Properties

Raptor Scientific offers the only instruments in the world capable of measuring all mass properties in one setup. These instruments reduce handling, thereby reducing the risks associated with it. Our Mass properties instruments are used in the space industry to measure the mass, center of gravity and moments of inertia of spacecraft and other space vehicles. These instruments are essential for ensuring that spacecraft are stable and controllable, properly balanced and that they can be maneuvered accurately in space.

The small satellite market is exploding. Knowledge of the mass properties of a small satellite is essential to understanding its flight dynamics and adjusting its attitude control loop. Raptor Scientific has developed a suite of mass properties instruments intrinsically compatible with cleanroom requirements, providing the measurements needed with no risk to flight hardware.

Fixturing is an essential part of accurate mass properties measurement in space applications. Raptor Scientific manufactures all fixtures necessary for mass properties testing.

Our Mechanical Ground Support Equipment for spacecraft manufacturing and testing includes vacuum-compatible L brackets for use in thermal vacuum testing, positioners, multipurpose trolleys, support trolleys for acoustic chambers, and handling bars for variable center of gravity with a crane.

In addition, the Raptor Scientific hemispherical and spherical air bearings are used as frictionless test platforms to test attitude control systems.

Perseverance Rover

Igniter Circuit Testers

Raptor Scientific is a designer and manufacturer of igniter circuit testers. Igniter circuit testers are used in the space industry to test the ignition systems of rocket engines and other propulsion systems.

The purpose of an igniter circuit tester is to verify that the ignition system is functioning properly and that the rocket engine or other propulsion system can be safely ignited. The testing procedure for an igniter circuit tester typically involves connecting the test fixture to the ignition system and applying a controlled electrical current to simulate the ignition process. The control unit monitors the current and provides feedback on the performance of the ignition system. Raptor Scientific’s  Igniter circuit testers are designed with safety in mind. The testers must be properly grounded and isolated to prevent electrical shock, and they must be operated in a controlled environment to prevent the risk of fire or explosion. Igniter circuit testers provide valuable data on the performance of the ignition system, which can be used to improve the design and operation of rocket engines and other propulsion systems. By using igniter circuit testers from Raptor Scientific, the space industry can ensure that its propulsion systems are operating at peak performance and are safe and reliable in all conditions. Raptor Scientific igniter circuit testers are a critical testing tool in the space industry to ensure the safety and reliability of rocket engines and other propulsion systems. By using these testers, the space industry can improve the design and operation of its propulsion systems and ensure that they are operating at peak performance.

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Pressure, Temperature, Torque, and Force Measurement

Raptor Scientific has delivered superior test instruments and equipment to support the Space Sector. Raptor Pressure, Temperature, Torque, and Force measurement instruments are essential tools in the space industry, as they support the design, development, testing, and operation of spacecraft and other space vehicles. Here are some ways in which these instruments support the space industry:

Pressure measurement instruments: These instruments are used to measure the pressure of fluids and gases in spacecraft and other space vehicles. They are used to ensure that the systems are operating within the required pressure range, which is critical for the safety and reliability of the spacecraft.

Temperature measurement instruments: These instruments are used to measure the temperature of fluids and gases in spacecraft and other space vehicles. Our instruments provide assurance that the systems are operating within the required temperature range, The Space Industry relies on the Raptor product line for safety and reliability.

Torque measurement instruments: These instruments are used to measure the torque of engines, motors, and other systems in spacecraft and other space vehicles. They are used to ensure that the systems are operating within the required torque range, which is critical for the stability and controllability of the spacecraft.

Force measurement instruments: These instruments are used to measure the force of engines, motors, and other systems in spacecraft and other space vehicles. They are used to ensure that the systems are operating within the required force range, which is critical for the stability and controllability of the spacecraft.

Overall, pressure, temperature, torque, and force measurement instruments are essential tools in the space industry for ensuring the safety, reliability, stability, and controllability of spacecraft and other space vehicles. They help to ensure that space missions are successful, and that spacecraft can be maneuvered accurately in space.

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Instrument Cleaning and Contamination Prevention

Raptor Scientific offers portable instrument cleaning systems, fluid separators and liquid trap instruments. Instrument cleaning and contamination prevention are critical processes in the space industry to ensure the accuracy and reliability of instruments used in space vehicles and equipment.

Contamination control is essential to prevent the buildup of dirt, dust, and other contaminants that can affect the accuracy and reliability of instruments. Cleaning procedures may vary depending on the type of instrument and the environment in which it is used. For example, instruments used in harsh environments may require more frequent cleaning than those used in controlled environments.

Instruments used in space vehicles and equipment must also be calibrated regularly.

Overall, instrument cleaning and contamination prevention are critical processes in the space industry to ensure the accuracy and reliability of instruments used in space vehicles and equipment. By following proper procedures and utilizing the Raptor Scientific line of products, the space industry can ensure that its instruments are operating at peak performance and are safe and reliable in all conditions.