What types of tests did the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and industry partners perform on the SPHEREx hardware?
Answer
Intense thermal and acoustic vibration tests
To ensure the spacecraft can survive the violent conditions of a rocket launch and the harsh vacuum of space, the hardware undergoes rigorous pre-flight testing. These tests include intense thermal and acoustic stresses, which mimic the heat and vibration experienced during launch and orbit. Such testing is critical to verify that the sensitive detectors and optical components remain perfectly aligned throughout the mission's lifetime.
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