Satellite Test Programs

If you're a commercial or military satellite program manager, you don't want to take a chance that your pre-launch or ongoing test program might not uncover a potential problem. That's why you should rely on ARINC.

ARINC provides cradle-to-grave testing for satellite programs, including testing on both ground control and flight hardware and software. Ideally, our involvement starts during the conceptual, program-development stage and concludes with satellite end-of-life analysis. However, our experience and flexibility enables us to get meaningfully involved at virtually any stage of your program.

Using a structured process, we first create a master test plan that guides all satellite system tests we perform—from development to full operational capability. As the program progresses, we define system functional requirements, build databases that trace and link every one of these requirements with a specific test, build specific test plans and procedures to validate each requirement, conduct the tests, generate test reports, and make recommendations for problem resolution.

Throughout the life of the program, we test software and system upgrades that could potentially impact satellite payload performance, bus performance, or other satellite system functions. We check ahead of time to verify that the required connectivity is available to successfully execute the tests. Our team members also participate in factory testing, incorporating valuable lessons into our own test program. In addition, we provide performance testing, midlife analysis of component health, and end-of-life testing to assess the system degradation rate. As necessary, we recommend program enhancements that can affect future satellite capabilities.

We provide test resource-management by developing a program-specific database that tracks asset usage for all current and future test activities, then feed this information into the test-asset schedule. We also provide configuration management and sustainment support for ground-based test resources. In addition, we perform independent verification and validation for military satellite test programs. We review test concepts for validity, confirm all requirements are being tested, and make recommendations as to how and when developmental and operational testing can be combined to avoid duplication of effort.