Shaking the jitters: CubeSat vibration tests

Because CubeSats often fly as secondary payloads with much more expensive spacecraft, they undergo a variety of tests ensure that they pose no threat to the larger payload, and to improve their overall chances for a successful mission. The makers of First-MOVE CubeSat have posted a number of videos of their craft undergoing vacuum, shake and other tests, including solar panel deployment.

One of the purposes of the shaker table is to recreate the vibration profile of the rocket taking the CubeSat to orbit. Successful completion of that test can help calm the jitters of the builders on launch day.

The single-unit First-MOVE CubeSat has a CCD camera as a payload and "two deployable solar panels carrying a new generation of solar cell[s]," according to the Southgate Amateur Radio web site.

Wayne