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Testing Process

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Our testing process

A product that performs well in simulation is not a product that has been proven. Testing is what closes the gap between a design that works on paper and hardware that can be trusted in orbit. At Anywaves, every product we ship has been through a structured test sequence designed to surface any issue before it becomes a mission problem.

Our testing capability covers both antenna products and RF/electronics hardware, across our sites in Toulouse, France and Hautcharage, Luxembourg. The processes described on this page apply across both product families, with the relevant differences highlighted where they exist.

Acceptance Tests

Antennas
Electronics

Functional Test (Pre-Environmental)

The procedure begins with a comprehensive functional test conducted immediately after the unit leaves the production line. All interfaces and RF behaviours are verified against defined specifications using a standardised test sequence. This includes electrical performance, RF characteristics such as radiation pattern and S-parameters, and command/control functions. This step establishes the performance baseline against which post-environmental results will be compared.

Vibration Test

The unit is then subjected to vibration testing to simulate the mechanical loads experienced during launch. Mounted on a calibrated vibration table, the hardware is exposed to controlled sine and random vibration profiles across multiple axes, representative of actual launch conditions. This test verifies the structural integrity of mechanical assemblies, solder joints, and connectors. Any unit that shows degradation or anomaly at this stage is quarantined and investigated before proceeding.

Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) Test

Following vibration, the unit enters a thermal vacuum chamber to simulate the space environment. Under vacuum and across temperature cycles covering the full operational range, the unit’s thermal stability, heat dissipation behaviour, and functional performance are verified. S-parameters are monitored during cycling where applicable. This step validates that the unit will operate reliably in the absence of atmosphere and across the temperature excursions it will encounter in orbit.

Functional Test (Post-Environmental)

After completing both environmental tests, the unit undergoes a full repeat of the initial functional test. The same standardised sequence is applied, and results are compared against the pre-environmental baseline. This comparison is what confirms that neither vibration nor thermal vacuum has degraded performance. Only units whose post-environmental results remain within design tolerances are approved for flight.

1. Functional Test (Pre-Environmental)
2. Vibration Test
3. Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) Test
4. Functional Test (Post-Environmental)

Functional and Electrical Test (Pre-Environmental)

Each unit is tested against its acceptance test specification before environmental exposure. This covers electrical performance, RF characteristics, power consumption, and any interface verification required by the programme. The flying probe system is used for generic board-level electrical testing. Results form the baseline for post-environmental comparison.

Vibration Test

The unit is subjected to a controlled vibration profile representative of launch loads. Test parameters (levels, duration, axes) are defined per product and programme. The intent is to verify that the electronic assembly — including solder joints, connectors, and mechanical fixings — can withstand the dynamic environment of launch without degradation.

Thermal Test

The unit undergoes thermal testing, which may include thermal cycling and/or thermal vacuum depending on the product and programme requirements. Temperature ranges are defined per product specification. Functional monitoring during thermal exposure confirms performance across the operational temperature range.

Functional Test (Post-Environmental) and Final Inspection

A full repeat of the pre-environmental functional and electrical test is performed. Results are compared against the baseline to confirm that environmental exposure has not degraded performance. A final visual inspection is also conducted. Units that pass all criteria are approved for delivery.

1. Functional and Electrical Test (Pre-Environmental)
2. Vibration Test
3. Thermal Test
4. Functional Test (Post-Environmental) and Final Inspection

Qualification Tests

Antennas

Initial Functional Measurement

Radiation pattern and S-parameter measurements are taken across the full operational frequency range to characterise the antenna’s RF performance. This establishes the qualification baseline against which all subsequent measurements are compared.

Random Vibration Test

The qualification model is subjected to random vibration levels above those applied during acceptance, to demonstrate design margin. Testing is performed across all relevant axes. The structural integrity of all mechanical assemblies, including bonded interfaces, connectors, and mounting points, is verified after exposure.

Shock Test

The antenna is exposed to shock inputs representative of stage separation events. These are high-amplitude, short-duration loads that differ fundamentally from the sustained vibration environment of launch. The shock test confirms that the design can withstand the impulsive loads associated with pyrotechnic separations.

Vacuum Thermal Cycling

The unit is cycled through representative temperature extremes under vacuum, with S-parameter monitoring during the thermal excursions. This test validates performance stability across the full thermal range in the space environment and identifies any thermally-induced drift in RF characteristics.

Long Thermal Cycling

Extended thermal cycling assesses material resistance to fatigue and wear over a number of cycles representative of the mission lifetime. This test is particularly relevant for evaluating the durability of bonded interfaces and the long-term stability of RF performance.

Moist Heat Test

The antenna is exposed to a hot and humid environment to verify resistance to moisture ingress and corrosion. While the operational environment is vacuum, the moist heat test addresses storage and ground-handling conditions that the hardware may encounter before launch.

Power Handling Test

For antennas used in transmit applications, a power handling test verifies that the antenna can sustain the required transmit power levels without performance degradation, thermal runaway, or breakdown. Test levels are defined per product specification.

RF Leakage Test

Where a test cap is provided with the antenna, an RF leakage test verifies that the test cap does not allow unintended emissions during ground testing. This is relevant for customers performing system-level RF tests before integration.

Final Functional Measurement and Visual Inspection

A complete repeat of the initial RF characterisation is performed to confirm that performance has been maintained across the full qualification campaign. A visual inspection is also carried out to document the condition of the hardware after all environmental exposures.

1. Initial Functional Measurement
2. Random Vibration Test
3. Shock Test
4. Vacuum Thermal Cycling
5. Long Thermal Cycling
6. Moist Heat Test
7. Power Handling Test
8. RF Leakage Test
9. Final Functional Measurement and Visual Inspection

Custom Testing Solutions

The test sequences described on this page represent our standard acceptance and qualification procedures. Space programmes do not always fit standard sequences, and we are equipped to discuss additional or modified testing requirements when your programme calls for it.

We have established relationships with specialist testing facilities and can coordinate additional environmental, RF, or mechanical tests beyond our in-house capabilities. Whether your programme requires a specific environmental profile, an unusual combination of tests, or testing under conditions we do not routinely apply, we can work with you to define a test plan that covers it.

If you have a specific test requirement, the most efficient starting point is a conversation with our engineering team.

Discuss your testing requirements Discuss your testing requirements

What our Testing Process Delivers

Test Traceability

Every qualification test result is archived, and every acceptance test is documented in a test report included in the End Item Data Package (EIDP) delivered with the unit. The full test history is available to your programme team at any point.

Automated Reporting

Acceptance test reports are generated automatically through our Connektica integration, reducing processing time and eliminating manual transcription errors.

Pre/Post Comparison

The systematic comparison of pre- and post-environmental functional measurements on every FM unit is what makes the acceptance process genuinely diagnostic rather than a pass/fail checkbox. It is the difference between knowing a unit works and knowing it was not affected by the test.

Continuous Refinement

Our test procedures are reviewed and updated as we accumulate data from flight programmes and customer feedback. A test sequence that worked well three years ago may have been improved since, and those improvements apply to new programmes.

Our Test Caps

For customers performing system-level testing before spacecraft integration, we offer test caps designed specifically for our antenna product lines. A test cap fits over the antenna’s RF interface and replicates the electrical characteristics of the antenna in a controlled, ground-safe configuration.

This allows your team to run system-level RF tests — including end-to-end link validation and interface verification — without needing to operate the antenna in a live RF environment. It is a straightforward way to integrate testing into your integration and verification flow without requiring access to an antenna measurement facility at each step.

Test caps are available for the main Anywaves antenna product families. If you need a test cap for a product not currently listed, we can discuss a custom solution.

Browse our Test Caps Browse our Test Caps

Related Expertise

Discuss your programme’s test requirements

Whether you are planning a qualification campaign for a new design or want to understand what our acceptance test process covers for a standard product, our engineering team is the right starting point.

Questions & Answers

  • What is the difference between qualification testing and acceptance testing?

    Qualification testing is a one-time campaign conducted on a dedicated Qualification Model to validate that a design can withstand all required environmental and operational conditions, typically at margins above the expected in-service levels. It proves the design. Acceptance testing is performed on every Flight Model unit before delivery: it verifies that this specific unit, as built, meets performance requirements and has not been compromised during manufacture. The two campaigns are complementary and serve different purposes in the programme lifecycle.

  • What documentation do I receive with a tested unit?

    Every Flight Model unit is delivered with an End Item Data Package (EIDP) that includes the full acceptance test report, a record of pre- and post-environmental functional measurements, component traceability documentation, and any programme-specific deliverables agreed at contract. The test report is generated automatically through our Connektica integration, which ensures consistency and eliminates manual transcription. The EIDP gives your team and any external auditor complete visibility into how the unit was built and tested.

  • Can you perform tests beyond your standard acceptance sequence?

    Yes. Our standard acceptance sequence covers the core environmental tests required for most space programmes, but we recognise that some programmes have additional or non-standard requirements. We can discuss specific test plans and, where needed, coordinate with specialist testing facilities to cover environmental profiles or test types outside our in-house capability. The best starting point is a conversation with our engineering team early in your programme planning.

  • Do antennas and electronics products follow the same test process?

    The underlying logic is the same: pre-environmental functional baseline, environmental exposure, post-environmental verification. The specific test parameters, equipment, and measured quantities differ between antenna products and RF electronics or SDR platforms, reflecting the different performance characteristics of each product family. Use the filter at the top of this page to view the test sequence relevant to your product type.

  • How long does FM acceptance testing take?

    Test duration depends on the product and programme requirements. For standard COTS antenna products, acceptance testing is an integrated part of the production flow and its duration is factored into our standard lead times. For custom or more complex products, the test duration will be defined as part of the programme schedule. We are happy to provide indicative timelines as part of a quote or programme planning discussion.

  • At what point in my programme should I engage with Anywaves about testing?

    As early as possible. The test sequence for a product is defined during the industrialization phase, and decisions made at design stage can significantly affect what testing is required and how efficiently it can be run. If you engage with us early, we can help you understand what the qualification and acceptance campaigns will involve, how they fit into your programme timeline, and whether any specific requirements on your side need to be accommodated in the test plan.

Space Antenna and RF Electronics Testing: Qualification, Acceptance, and Everything In Between

Testing is a critical step in the development of space hardware, ensuring that antennas, RF electronics and payload systems perform reliably under real mission conditions. From functional validation to environmental qualification, each test phase is designed to verify performance, identify potential failure modes and confirm that products meet strict space industry requirements.

At Anywaves, our testing process combines qualification campaigns and Flight Model acceptance testing to validate both design robustness and unit-level performance. By systematically comparing pre- and post-environmental results, and by maintaining full traceability through detailed test documentation, we provide satellite manufacturers and integrators with the confidence that every product delivered is ready for operation in orbit.

Our capabilities cover both antenna systems and RF electronics, supporting missions across Earth observation, navigation, satellite communication, exploration and defense.

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