How engineers prepare a satellite to survive the brutal conditions of space launch

This final episode of the YPSat documentary series follows the team through the rigorous testing required to certify their satellite for flight. From thermal vacuum chambers to vibration stress tests, see the critical steps taken to ensure the hardware survives the launch and operates safely in orbit.

Before a satellite can reach orbit, it must pass a series of punishing evaluations. The YPSat team subjected their craft to thermal vacuum tests to simulate extreme space temperatures, vibration tests to confirm structural integrity during the violent launch phase, and electromagnetic compatibility tests to ensure the satellite does not interfere with the rocket's own systems.

Once these hurdles are cleared, the satellite undergoes a formal Flight Acceptance Review to receive official certification. After final battery charging and integration, control is transferred to the launch vehicle. The mission concludes as ground teams monitor the rocket's trajectory, await the initial signal, and finally decode the images and data transmitted from the satellite.

Source: The Young Professional Satellite - From Earth to Orbit (episode 3)