Space Simulation Facility
Who we are
The Space Simulation Facility is a specialised research and testing area at UNSW Canberra City designed to replicate the extreme conditions of space. The facility consists of a large vacuum chamber with thermal cycling capabilities and supports testing at both subsystem and full system levels. From early-stage component validation to mission-ready system qualification, we provide the infrastructure and technical expertise required to assess performance, reliability and survivability under realistic space conditions.
Our goal is to reduce uncertainty and accelerate development timelines by supporting a broad range of space and aerospace activities to ensure that technologies are ready for deployment in increasingly demanding space missions. Researchers, industry partners and governments benefit from access to this purpose-built infrastructure that enables rigorous, repeatable testing, in controlled, high-fidelity environments.
UNSW Canberra City
Space Simulation Facility is part of UNSW Canberra City – our collaborative innovation ecosystem – where shared facilities and co-working spaces bring together researchers, industry partners, entrepreneurs and students to rapidly move ideas from design to real-world application.
Capabilities
Our equipment
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A large cylindrical vacuum chamber approximately 2.2 m long with a diameter of about 1.3 m. The pumping system consists of a two-stage rotary vane/roots pump and a 1200 l/s turbopump, and can achieve a base pressure of around 0.001 Pa.
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A high-performance thermal control unit providing low-high temperature operation of a thermal shroud inserted into the SPECTRE vacuum chamber, while ensuring a high temperature stability of ±0.01 K.
Our people
How to access
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Contact our team to discuss your technology, project objectives and how Space Simulation Facility capabilities may support your work.
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We will work with you to understand your testing requirements, project goals and identify the most suitable access or partnership model.
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Once the scope of work is agreed, we will confirm facility access, technical requirements and scheduling.
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Following a safety and facility induction, your team will be authorised to access the Space Simulation Facility and to schedule testing.
Fees
Use of the facility is nominally free for UNSW researchers, but a contribution to maintenance costs may be required. For external partners, costs are determined on a case-by-case basis.
Note that the facility is shared with a commercial partner, and according to the Equipment Licence Agreement between UNSW and this partner, access to the facility by external users requires prior approval.
Contact us
Space Simulation Facility
UNSW Canberra Space
37 Constitution Avenue
Reid, ACT 2612
Email: connect.cbr@unsw.edu.au
We invite you to experience our innovation precinct firsthand. Reach out to our team today to discuss your strategic goals and arrange a tour of UNSW Canberra City and our facilities.
We like to hear from you. If you have questions, requests or ideas for collaboration, please complete the contact form and we will be in touch within five business days.
Get in touch about your project
We offer a range of services that can be tailored to your needs. Please send us an enquiry to get started.