Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below are some frequently asked questions we have received in over 14 years of providing quality testing:
01
Questions about Safety/Personnel
All customer personnel are welcome to visit NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) during any/all stages of the testing (i.e., delivery, setup, preparation, instrumentation, check outs, testing, wrap up, tear down, pack up, and ship out). We can provide temporary badges for everyone that is a U.S. citizen. All test procedures, processes, and safety guidelines are identical to those followed/adhered to during regular NASA flight testing operations.
02
Questions about Security/IT Security
Delivery and ship out operations can be conducted off hours for sensitive hardware. Customer can also install instrumentation at or prior to arrival at NASA GSFC and "shield" their payload. The customer can perform the mounting exercise to the test plate and/or install the payload into the TV chamber and close door. GSFC personnel would only need to do hook up and wire mate.
03
Questions about Computers/Software
Customers can bring any computers/software as desired to the facility. If the customer desires to "ride" the NASA wireless newwork, or tap into NASA feeds, they will need to submit their hardware to NASA IT for scanning and virus protection.
04
Questions about Insurance
The customer provides their own insurance to cover most possible damage scenarios. Sierra Lobo warrants and protects the customer from any malicious or intentional damage to the hardware by GSFC personnel. If the customer's hardware fouls the chamber (i.e., outgassing, etc.), and the clean up via post test bakeout exceeds two days (included in all estimates), the customer is liable for the extra cost of cleanup. We do our best to eliminate and limit this possibility by asking the customer to submit a materials list on the hardware being tested, so we can identify any potential issues before they happen.
05
Questions about Quality Assurance
All testing is performed under the same parameters as NASA space flight testing. We have certifications, calibration information, test procedures, and redundant safeguards to ensure quality testing is performed.
06
Questions about Calibration
Each facility and piece of equipment is different, but each are tested and calibrated to the manufacturer's recommendations on a regular schedule.
07
Questions about Allowable Materials
There is a list of materials, such as silicone, that are not able to be tested in the thermal vacuums, bake outs, or temperature tests. The GSFC personnel responsible for the testing will provide this list.
08
Questions about Pricing (why no published prices?)
Since we are responsible for 40-50 facilities, each with three to five levels of complexity and support personnel, there are way too many variables to publish a list. All we need is either a test plan, a list of requirements, specifications, etc., and we can typically provide you with a random order of magnitude (ROM) within 24-48 hours.
09
Questions about Payment
A purchase order is all we need to get going and schedule the facility and test. Once completed, or monthly, we will invoice the customer per line item on the purchase order.
10
Questions about Shipping/Handling/Logistics
The customer handles all shipping and logistics. The customer must also provide us with the manifest and unloading instructions (i.e., wheel-off, fork-lift, pallet jack, lid removal, etc.). The shipping truck will go throught the NASA security checkpoint first, so we need to have the manifest, all shipping info, tracking numbers, driver information, etc. before the delivery. For bigger hardware, FedEx custom critical is typical. All aspects of loading and unloading are covered in the price quote.
11
Questions about a Customer Satisfaction
Over 14 years with over 70 customers and 160 tests, there have been no unhappy customers. All operations are per NASA standards, with no deviations or short cuts.
12
Questions about Planning a Visit
Site visits are a great way for the potential customer to get aquainted with our facilities. We can do a full walk through with all lead engineers for any testing operations they will be performing, from delivery through ship out.
13
Questions about Software used for Data Collection
There is various software used for each test facility, and our lead engineers can discuss data collection and processing with any customer. In the past, customers have asked that we deliver the data directly to their computers and servers so there is no data left on GSFC machines. We can also destroy or delete any data after testing, once it is cleared by the customer.
14
Questions about Rental Time
The shortest rental time period is daily, with no maximum.
15
Questions about Timeline/Scheduling
We appreciate advanced notice before a test (preferably 2 weeks), but one week is not unusual. If testing is not difficult with any potential safety issues or delivery problems, we can provide quick turn-around times.
16
Questions about Clearance
No special clearance is needed. We do have top secret personnel, but this is something that would need to be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
17
Questions about International Customers
At the current time, we do not accept any testing from International customers.
18
Questions about Hardware Approval
Our thermal vacuum personnel make the recommendation to NASA after the hardware passes a thorough review.