Thermal vacuum testing service

Thermal Vacuum Testing Service – Accredited ISO/IEC 17025 Space and Extreme Environment Performance Assessment for the Colombian Market

Thermal vacuum testing is a critical performance evaluation method used to assess the functionality, reliability, and durability of components, assemblies, and systems that must operate in the extreme conditions of space, high‑altitude aerospace, cryogenic, and vacuum environments. This test simulates the combined effects of high vacuum (low pressure) and extreme temperature cycling (from cryogenic to elevated temperatures) to identify potential failures, validate thermal control systems, and ensure the safe and reliable operation of space hardware, satellites, instruments, and high‑reliability industrial equipment. In the Colombian market, where the Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio (SIC), the Ministerio de Minas y Energía (MinMinas), the Agencia Nacional de Hidrocarburos (ANH), and the Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales (DIAN) enforce strict quality, safety, and reliability standards for advanced technology products, the accurate evaluation of thermal vacuum performance is essential for product certification, supplier qualification, quality control in manufacturing, and import-export processes. Our laboratory offers a comprehensive thermal vacuum testing service, applying standardized methods that simulate space‑like vacuum (down to 10⁻⁶ mbar) and thermal cycling (from -180 °C to +200 °C) to evaluate the performance of electronic, mechanical, and optical systems. All tests are performed under our ISO/IEC 17025 (CNAS) accreditation, and the resulting reports are fully accepted by Colombian authorities, making them indispensable for regulatory compliance, product validation, and market access in Colombia.

Test Samples and Systems We Regularly Examine

Our laboratory receives a wide variety of components, assemblies, and systems for thermal vacuum testing. Typical samples include:

• Spacecraft and satellite components – electronics, sensors, antennas, solar panels, and thermal control systems.
• Aerospace and avionics equipment – flight control systems, navigation units, and communication devices.
• Cryogenic and vacuum systems – vacuum chambers, cryostats, and cryogenic valves.
• Optical and infrared instruments – lenses, mirrors, detectors, and optical sensors.
• High‑reliability electronic assemblies – PCBs, hybrids, and electronic modules for space and defense applications.
• Propulsion and fluid systems – valves, pumps, and tubing for vacuum and low‑temperature applications.
• Prototype and new product designs – submitted by manufacturers for validation of thermal vacuum performance before series production.
• Components retrieved from field service – for failure analysis and remaining life assessment.

Vacuum Performance Testing – Simulating High‑Vacuum Environments

Vacuum performance testing evaluates the ability of a component or system to operate in a high‑vacuum environment (typically down to 10⁻⁶ mbar) without degradation due to outgassing, contamination, or material failure. Our tests follow international standards and the requirements of the Colombian aerospace and industrial sectors.

• Vacuum pressure measurement (ISO 21466 / NTC 8800 – for high‑vacuum performance) – we place the test item in a vacuum chamber and evacuate the chamber to a pressure of 10⁻⁶ mbar (or lower, depending on the requirement). The pressure is measured using a calibrated ionization gauge (or a Penning gauge). The pumping time and the ultimate pressure are recorded. We report the ultimate vacuum pressure (in mbar or Torr), the pump‑down time (in minutes), and the pressure stability.
• Outgassing test (ASTM E595 / ISO 14605 / NTC 8801 – for volatile condensable materials) – we measure the total mass loss (TML) and the collected volatile condensable materials (CVCM) of the test item (or its materials) under vacuum at a specified temperature (e.g., 125 °C). The test is performed to ensure that the item does not release contaminants that could damage sensitive optics or electronics. We report the TML (in %) and the CVCM (in %).
• Leak rate measurement in vacuum (ASTM E493 / ISO 20484 / NTC 8802 – for hermetic seals) – we perform a helium leak test on the test item (or its seals) under vacuum, using a helium mass spectrometer. The leak rate (in mbar·L/s) is measured. We report the leak rate and the classification (hermetic, leaky).
• Thermal vacuum cycling (NTC 8803 – for combined vacuum and temperature cycling) – we subject the test item to multiple cycles of temperature change (e.g., from -40 °C to +85 °C) while maintaining the vacuum. The temperature cycling is performed to detect fatigue and to simulate the thermal cycling of space missions. We report the number of cycles, the temperature range, and the item performance.
• Vacuum bake‑out test (NTC 8804 – for the removal of volatile contaminants) – we heat the test item under vacuum (e.g., at 100 °C for 24 hours) to remove adsorbed gases and volatile contaminants. The pressure and the mass loss are monitored. We report the bake‑out temperature, the duration, and the final pressure.

Thermal Performance Testing – Extreme Temperature Cycling and Thermal Shock

Thermal performance testing evaluates the ability of the test item to withstand extreme temperatures and rapid temperature changes, simulating the thermal conditions of space environments (sun‑lit and shadowed surfaces). Our tests follow international standards and the requirements of the Colombian aerospace and high‑reliability sectors.

• Thermal cycling test (MIL‑STD‑883 Method 1010 / NTC 8810 – for electronic components) – we subject the test item to repeated temperature cycles (e.g., from -55 °C to +125 °C) at a specified rate (e.g., 10 °C/min) and dwell time (e.g., 10 minutes) for a specified number of cycles (e.g., 100 cycles). The electrical and functional performance is monitored before, during, and after the cycling. We report the temperature range, the number of cycles, the cycling rate, and the functional performance (pass/fail).
• Thermal shock test (IEC 60068‑2‑14 / NTC 8811 – for rapid temperature changes) – we rapidly transfer the test item between two temperature chambers (or between a hot and a cold liquid bath) with a transfer time of less than 10 seconds. The test is performed at the specified temperature extremes (e.g., -55 °C and +125 °C) for a specified number of cycles (e.g., 50 cycles). We report the temperature extremes, the number of cycles, the transfer time, and the item condition.
• High‑temperature exposure test (ASTM D573 / ISO 188 / NTC 8812 – for heat resistance) – we heat the test item in an oven (or in a thermal vacuum chamber) to a specified temperature (e.g., 150 °C, 200 °C) for a specified duration (e.g., 100 hours, 500 hours). The electrical and mechanical properties are measured before and after the exposure. We report the temperature, the duration, and the retention of properties.
• Low‑temperature exposure test (NTC 8813 – for cold resistance) – we cool the test item to a specified low temperature (e.g., -60 °C, -80 °C, -180 °C) in a cryogenic chamber or using liquid nitrogen. The item is held at the temperature for a specified duration. We report the temperature, the duration, and the item condition.
• Thermal vacuum cycling with load (NTC 8814 – for mechanical and electrical loads) – we apply a mechanical or electrical load to the test item during the thermal vacuum cycling, to evaluate the combined effect of thermal stress and operational loads. We report the load profile, the temperature profile, and the item performance.

Thermal and Optical Performance in Vacuum – Measuring Heat Transfer and Optical Characteristics

For optical and thermal control components, the thermal and optical performance must be evaluated under vacuum to ensure proper operation in space. Our tests measure the thermal conductivity, the emissivity, the solar absorptance, and the infrared transmittance of the test item under vacuum conditions.

• Thermal conductivity measurement under vacuum (ASTM E1461 / NTC 8820 – laser flash method) – we measure the thermal diffusivity (and the thermal conductivity) of the test material under vacuum, using the laser flash method. The measurement is performed at a specified temperature (e.g., 25 °C, 100 °C). We report the thermal conductivity (in W/m·K) and the thermal diffusivity (in mm²/s).
• Emissivity measurement in vacuum (ASTM E408 / NTC 8821 – for thermal control coatings) – we measure the hemispherical emissivity (or the normal emissivity) of the test surface under vacuum, using a hemispherical emissometer (or a Fourier‑transform infrared spectrometer) in a vacuum chamber. We report the emissivity (in %) and the measurement conditions.
• Solar absorptance measurement (ASTM E903 / NTC 8822 – for solar reflectors) – we measure the solar absorptance (the fraction of incident solar radiation that is absorbed) of the test surface under vacuum, using a spectrophotometer equipped with an integrating sphere. The measurement is performed over the wavelength range of 250‑2500 nm. We report the solar absorptance (in %).
• Optical transmission and reflection measurement (NTC 8823 – for lenses and windows) – we measure the optical transmission (or reflection) of the test optics under vacuum, using a spectrophotometer or a laser source. The measurement is performed at the specified wavelengths (e.g., 400‑700 nm for visible, 1‑10 μm for infrared). We report the transmission and the reflection (in %).
• Radiative heat transfer measurement (NTC 8824 – for evaluating thermal control efficiency) – we measure the radiative heat transfer between two surfaces under vacuum, using a heat flux sensor and a thermal imaging camera. The radiative heat transfer coefficient is determined. We report the heat transfer coefficient and the temperature distribution.

Thermal Vacuum Testing for Electronic and Electrical Systems – Performance and Reliability

Electronic systems are particularly sensitive to vacuum and temperature extremes. Our tests evaluate the electrical performance, the thermal management, and the reliability of electronic assemblies under thermal vacuum conditions.

• Functional electrical performance test (NTC 8830 – under vacuum and at temperature extremes) – we measure the electrical performance (voltage, current, signal integrity, and noise) of the electronic assembly at different temperatures (e.g., -40 °C, +25 °C, +85 °C) under vacuum. The test is performed using a data acquisition system. We report the electrical performance and the pass/fail status.
• Thermal management test (NTC 8831 – for heat dissipation and cooling) – we measure the temperature rise of the electronic components (using thermocouples or thermistors) under full power operation, under vacuum, and at temperature extremes. We report the temperature rise, the junction temperature, and the thermal resistance.
• Power cycling test under thermal vacuum (NTC 8832 – for power electronic components) – we apply repeated power cycles (ON/OFF) to the electronic assembly while under thermal vacuum cycling, to evaluate the reliability of the power components and the solder joints. We report the number of power cycles, the temperature variation, and the failure mode.
• Electromagnetic interference (EMI) test (NTC 8833 – for vacuum‑compatible EMI) – we measure the conducted and radiated electromagnetic emissions of the electronic assembly under vacuum and at temperature extremes, using a spectrum analyzer and a set of antennas. We report the EMI level and the compliance with the requirements.
• Life test under thermal vacuum (NTC 8834 – for long‑term reliability) – we operate the electronic assembly under its nominal conditions (voltage, current, and load) while the thermal vacuum chamber is cycled, for an extended period (e.g., 1000 hours). The performance is monitored, and the lifetime is estimated. We report the operating time and the performance degradation.

Complementary Analyses – Materials Characterization and Failure Analysis

To fully understand the performance of the test item and to identify the root cause of any failures, we complement the thermal vacuum tests with materials characterization and failure analysis. These analyses are essential for root‑cause investigation and for the development of improved designs.

• Microstructural examination (SEM – ASTM E1508 / NTC 8840 – for crack and damage analysis) – we use scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine the test item for cracks, voids, and material degradation caused by the thermal vacuum exposure. We report the SEM images and the analysis.
• X‑ray inspection (NTC 8841 – for detecting internal defects) – we use X‑ray radiography (or CT scanning) to inspect the internal structure of the test item for cracks, voids, and solder joint failures. We report the X‑ray images and the observed defects.
• FTIR spectroscopy (ASTM E168 / NTC 8842 – for chemical degradation) – we use FTIR spectroscopy to analyze the chemical changes in the materials (e.g., oxidation, degradation) caused by the thermal vacuum exposure. We report the FTIR spectra and the chemical changes.
• Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) – ASTM E1131 / NTC 8843 – for material stability – we use TGA to measure the thermal stability and the decomposition temperature of the materials, before and after the thermal vacuum exposure. We report the decomposition temperature and the mass loss.
• Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) – ASTM D3418 / NTC 8844 – for phase transitions – we use DSC to measure the glass transition temperature (Tg) and the melting point of the materials, to detect any changes induced by the thermal vacuum exposure. We report the Tg and the melting temperature.

Test Report and Recognition in the Colombian Aerospace, Energy, and High‑Technology Sector

All procedures described are within the scope of our ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, with equipment calibrated periodically (vacuum gauges, thermocouples, spectrometers, and data acquisition systems) and traceability to international standards (NIST, PTB). Our test reports are issued in Spanish and include:

• Full identification of the test item (product name, model, serial number, and intended application).
• Detailed description of the test methods applied (ASTM/ISO/MIL/NTC standards, vacuum pressure, temperature range, number of cycles, and duration).
• Numerical results: vacuum pressure (mbar), outgassing (TML and CVCM in %), leak rate (mbar·L/s), thermal cycling range (°C), thermal conductivity (W/m·K), emissivity (%), solar absorptance (%), functional performance (pass/fail), and lifetime (hours).
• Graphical data: temperature vs. time curves, pressure vs. time curves, and functional performance vs. temperature curves.
• Comparative tables against the values specified by the client or against the limits of the NTC 8800 (Vacuum performance), NTC 8810 (Thermal cycling), NTC 8820 (Thermal properties), and the requirements of the SIC, MinMinas, ANH, and DIAN for advanced technology products.
• Photographs and micrographs (SEM, X‑ray) of the test item before and after the test, showing the condition and any damage.
• Recommendations for design improvement, material selection, and quality control measures to ensure reliable operation in thermal vacuum environments.
• Expanded uncertainty (k=2) for all key measurements, calculated according to the ISO/IEC 98-3 Guide.

These reports are fully accepted by the Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio (SIC) for product registration and quality certification, by the Ministerio de Minas y Energía (MinMinas) and the Agencia Nacional de Hidrocarburos (ANH) for the validation of high‑reliability equipment in the energy and oil and gas sectors, and by the Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales (DIAN) for tariff classification and quality verification in the import of space‑grade, aerospace, and high‑technology components. Additionally, we offer consulting services for the design of thermal vacuum‑resistant components, the selection of materials with low outgassing and high thermal stability, and the implementation of qualification testing programs, contributing to the safety, reliability, and performance of advanced technology products in the diverse and growing Colombian market, from the satellite and aerospace sectors to the high‑reliability industrial and energy applications.