The University of Auckland’s Te Pūnaha Ātea Space Institute is establishing capability in space engineering and advanced testing, supported by an ISO Class 7 cleanroom and environmental testing facilities including a 3D vibration table and a thermal vacuum chamber.
Professor Guglielmo Aglietti, director of the institute, says the facility provides industry with a pathway from concept through to orbit.
“Te Pūnaha Ātea can support the development of flight-ready hardware, from initial design through to testing and deployment.”
That capability has been demonstrated through the deployment and operation of TPA-1, the institute’s first CubeSat, showing the ability to deliver hardware to orbit.
Aglietti says the same facilities can support work beyond space applications.
“The same expertise and facilities can also support terrestrial applications, including noise, vibration and harshness testing and precision engineering research.”
For New Zealand companies, access to local testing infrastructure provides an alternative to offshore facilities for advanced development work.
Sponsored content: For more information email adam.wade@auckland.ac.nz or visit www.space.auckland.ac.nz.