How do engineers prepare a spacecraft to survive the harsh environment of deep space?

Building a spacecraft requires more than just assembly. NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory experts explain the rigorous process of preparing hardware for launch, including the essential steps of baking and shaking to ensure mission success.

The Spacecraft Assembly, Test, and Launch Operations (ATLO) team manages the lifecycle of a spacecraft from construction to the launch pad. This process involves specialized mechanical and electrical systems engineering to ensure the vehicle can withstand the extreme conditions of space travel.

Engineers like Michelle Tomey Colizzi and Luis A. Dominguez oversee the critical phases of assembly, testing, and final launch preparations. These procedures are vital for verifying that complex instruments and systems function correctly before they leave Earth.

Source: Spacecraft Assembly, Test, and Launch Operations (ATLO) (Live Public Talk)