SBIRS GEO-5 Vacuum Testing
The SBIRS GEO-5 satellite enters a vacuum chamber at Lockheed Martin's Sunnyvale, California, production facility to begin Thermal Vacuum testing, April 16. TVAC testing simulates the space environment by producing a near vacuum and cycling through hot and cold temperature ranges that the satellite will experience in space. This critical testing verifies that all satellite components are operating correctly and meet strict requirements and standards under all conditions. (Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin)