Vibro-Acoustic Testing of the Clementine Spacecraft

The Clementine Spacecraft was launched on January 25, 1994 from Vandenberg Air Force Base. The spacecraft was designed, fabricated and tested by the Naval Research Laboratory. It used an array of lightweight optical sensors to perform the most extensive mapping of the lunar surface to date. This paper describes the combined random vibration/acoustic (Vibroacoustic) testing that was performed on both the Clementine Engineering Model and Flight Spacecraft. Axial random vibration and high level acoustic loads were simultaneously applied in these tests. Acceleration response data from the Engineering Model test was used to refine early component vibration test levels and qualify the design of the overall structure, subsystems and mechanisms for Vibro-acoustic loads seen during launch and ascent. The Flight Spacecraft test was used as an overall acceptance and workmanship screen for the complete system prior to launch. Response data from the Flight Spacecraft test was also compared to the data from the Engineering Model Test with some interesting results. This paper discusses the philosophy and execution of these tests as well as the innovative techniques that were used.