Sea Launch User's Guide

Static loads test
A spacecraft static loads and/or sine vibration test must be performed for
spacecraft structure. The extent of the testing depends on the heritage of
the spacecraft structure, but ultimately, spacecraft compliance to table 6-3
must be demonstrated.
Sine vibration
testing
The sine vibration test levels for qualification, proto-qualification, proof,
and acceptance are given in table 6-4. Qualification testing is for a dedicated
test article and proto-qualification testing is for the first-flight article.
Proof testing is for spacecraft that have not been qualification or
proto-qualification tested for first flight and must be proof tested for
every flight. Once a spacecraft has been qualification or protoqualification
tested, acceptance sine testing on all future repeat spacecraft
need not be performed. Acceptance testing is generally performed to
demonstrate workmanship and is an option available to the spacecraft
customer for minor spacecraft design changes for spacecraft that have not
previously flown on Sea Launch. The extent of the testing depends on the
heritage of the spacecraft structure and degree of static testing, but ultimately,
spacecraft compliance with table 6-3 must be demonstrated.
Notching may be employed to prevent excessive loading of the spacecraft
structure. However, the resulting sine vibration environment with notching
should not be less than a test factor level times the equivalent sine
vibration level determined from CLAs and provided by Sea Launch. The
test factor levels depend on the test options chosen and are given in table
6-3.
SC axis tested
Test parameters
Table 6-4. Sine Vibration Test Levels and Duration
Frequency range
Qualification test
levels
Proto-qualification
levels
Proof test levels
Acceptance levels
Longitudinal 5 to 100 Hz 1.25 g 1.25 g 1.1 g 1.0 g
Lateral
5 to 15 Hz
1.0 g
1.0 g
0.9 g
15 to 100 Hz 0.9 g
0.9 g
0.8 g
Sweep rate 2 octaves/min 4 octaves/min
0.8 g
0.7 g
Acoustic testing
Qualification of a spacecraft type is required. In place of a qualification
test, a proto-qualification test may be run on the first unit. Acoustic testing
to proto-qualification or acceptance levels and durations are required
for every mission. The acoustic margins and duration for qualification,
proto-qualification, and acceptance tests are found in table 6-5.
REV B D688-10009-1 6-13