TANDM’S Collaboration with Dragonfly Aerospace
In January 2023, Dragonfly Aerospace launched EOS SAT-1, a groundbreaking satellite that is part of the world’s first agricultural-focused constellation. This advanced Earth observation satellite supports the agricultural industry by monitoring harvests, predicting yields, and assessing soil moisture. However, its capabilities extend beyond agriculture; EOS SAT-1’s dual high-resolution cameras allow it to provide valuable data across various sectors, including insurance, government initiatives, and environmental conservation.
The inception of Dragonfly Aerospace was born from the vision of a dedicated group of professionals who sought to preserve and advance South Africa’s space industry during challenging economic times. They aimed to create compact, high-performance imaging satellites and payloads for large imaging constellations, with an ambitious goal of producing up to 48 satellites per year.
Establishing a 3000 m² design and manufacturing facility, including a 1000 m² clean room for microsatellite production, was no small feat, especially during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. TANDM has played a role in this journey by enhancing Dragonfly’s environmental testing capabilities.
To optimise their resources and ensure testing for satellite qualification, Dragonfly collaborated with TANDM to develop a comprehensive vibration test system. This system, installed in September 2021, comprises a Brüel & Kjaer LDS V8900 electrodynamic shaker, equipped with a hydrostatic-bearing slip table and head expander. It is controlled through the Crystal Instruments Spider 81, a premium vibration controller that allows for precise testing scenarios such as Random, Sine, and Resonance Search.
By using this advanced vibration test system, Dragonfly is able to simulate the intense conditions that satellites endure during launch. This essential testing helps ensure the satellites are ready for deployment into low Earth orbit (LEO), at an altitude of 550 km and a velocity of 28,600 km/h.
Jean-Pierre Serfontein, Head of Mechanical Engineering at Dragonfly, has expressed gratitude for TANDM’s contributions. The vibration test system has been instrumental in optimising workflows and achieving Dragonfly’s production goals.
The collaboration between TANDM and Dragonfly Aerospace highlights the importance of strong partnerships in driving innovation in the space industry. Together, we are proud to contribute to the advancements that empower the agricultural sector and beyond, ensuring a more sustainable future.