VCF Thermal vacuum environmental calibration test-setup

The VCF is a large thermal‑vacuum test set‑up for calibration, qualification, and optical characterization of space instruments. The VCF Thermal Vacuum test set‑up of TNO’s Space Systems Engineering department is a large, highly stable thermal‑vacuum chamber designed for high‑quality optical, thermal, and mechanical testing under realistic space conditions. With more than 60 years of experience in thermal‑vacuum testing, TNO provides a reliable and accurate environment for validating the performance, stability, and reliability of space instruments, from subsystems to larger payloads.

Thermal & Vacuum

• Shroud temperature range: +100 °C (±2 °C) to –175 °C (±5 °C)

• Cold plate: +100 °C to –170 °C

• Vacuum:

• Cold finger (cold trap): –196 °C

• Mass spectrometer range: 0–200 amu

Optical access & test flexibility

• Two optical windows (Ø 200 mm):

o Infrasil quartz

o Russian opal

• Black coated shroud and darkened environment for low light optical measurements

• Access from both the front and rear for efficient setup

• Object plate positioned outside the vacuum chamber and connected to the floor for minimal alignment deviations

• Space for larger instruments thanks to an internal volume of Ø1500 × 2000 mm

Mechanics & interfacing

• Electrical feedthroughs: Sub D configurations for various test setups

• Optional instrument positioning: azimuth/elevation vacuum stage

• Black finished front area to reduce reflections

The VCF is located in the Anthony van Leeuwenhoek laboratory at the TNO Delft site and complies with ISO Class 7 cleanroom specifications. The environment is designed for accurate, safe, and reproducible space qualification tests and offers:

• ESD safe flooring with continuous monitoring

• 50 m² of cleanroom space for GSE and instrument preparation

• PT100 temperature measurements with high accuracy

• A fully remotely operated control system

• Configurable SMS alarm notifications

• Connection to a 24/7 staffed emergency response system

The VCF distinguishes itself through:

• Large test volume for bigger instruments

• High thermal stability and precisely controlled conditions

• Excellent vacuum performance

• Advanced optical access and darkness control

• Flexible configurations for a wide range of test campaigns

• Reliable performance thanks to a stable mechanical design and minimization of alignment errors

This combination makes the VCF a high quality, versatile, and very reliable test environment for optical, thermal, and mechanical space engineering tests.