Peregrine Testing Completed, Approved for Flight
The Peregrine testing campaign has been completed and the lunar lander has been approved for flight. The final hurdle, thermal-vacuum (TVAC) testing, proved that Peregrine can survive and operate in the thermal and vacuum conditions of space. The spacecraft was subjected to extreme hot and cold temperatures in the thermal vacuum chamber to simulate conditions during its mission. All spacecraft components were functionally tested as well to demonstrate flight-like operations.
"These tests ultimately proved the quality of Peregrine’s design and workmanship over the full assembly and integration campaign. Everyone worked diligently, even through holidays, for this incredible achievement.”
Sharad Bhaskaran, Astrobotic’s PM1 Mission Director.
With testing completed, Peregrine is now ready to be shipped to Cape Canaveral, Florida when Astrobotic’s rocket provider, United Launch Alliance (ULA), gives the green light to receive it.
”Peregrine Mission One’s (PM1) flight acceptance campaign was completed on schedule and exceeded expectations. These tests ultimately proved the quality of Peregrine’s design and workmanship over the full assembly and integration campaign. Everyone worked diligently, even through holidays, for this incredible achievement,” says Sharad Bhaskaran, Astrobotic’s PM1 Mission Director.
Peregrine Testing Campaign has been Rigorous
Late last year, Peregrine passed its sine vibration and acoustics testing, proving that Peregrine can withstand the flight environment of United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Vulcan Centaur, the launch vehicle for Peregrine Mission One.
Sine vibration testing replicates the low frequency vibrations the lander will be subjected to through its mounting adapter inside the Vulcan Centaur fairing during liftoff and as Vulcan leaves Earth’s atmosphere. Acoustic testing subjects the lander to the sound pressure waves it will encounter within the fairing during those same phases. These industry-standard tests confirm the lander’s structure and propulsion system along with the lander’s many sensitive avionics, optics, and payloads will survive this intense loading environment as Vulcan delivers it to space.
Peregrine will be at Astrobotic headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on public display for a time. Visitors can visit the conjoining Moonshot Museum to catch a glimpse of the spacecraft until it is prepped for shipment to Cape Canaveral, Florida for its journey to the Moon.
(Source: Astrobotic news release. Images provided and from file)