Space Simulation Tutorials
Monday, November 16, 2026
8:00 a.m. Introduction
8:05 - 10 a.m.
Modal Testing - Acquisition Through FE Correlation
Presenter: Chris Sensor, Siemens
Structures exhibit patterns of vibration when excited at certain frequencies. These patterns are called "mode shapes." Many fields employ Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA) to extract mode shapes from physical structures. This tutorial focuses on EMA acquisition, data validation, and curve fitting using the PolyMax algorithm. Then the EMA dataset will be correlated with the CAE generated data to assess if all mode shapes have been excited.
10:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Principles and Applications of Outgassing Data in Spacecraft Contamination Control
Presenter: Sarah Foyer, NASA Langley
Contamination control is a critical aspect of spacecraft development, as molecular contamination can degrade the performance, reliability, and lifetime of space-based systems. Attendees will leave with a practical understanding of how outgassing measurements support spacecraft contamination control and mission success. The session covers the fundamentals of Thermoelectric Quartz Crystal Microbalances (TQCM) and Residual Gas Analyzers (RGA), including what they measure and how the data are collected. Participants will learn how to interpret TQCM and RGA data in operational environments, correlate results with NASA-STD-6016, ASTM E595, and ECSS contamination requirements, recognize common pitfalls in contamination assessment, and apply proven techniques to improve contamination control practices within their own fabrication, integration, and test facilities.
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Mission Success: An Overview of the Test Like You Fly Process
Presenter: Julie White, Aerospace Corporation
The “Test Like You Fly” (TLYF) Process is a prelaunch/pre-operational systems engineering approach that translates mission operations concepts into operationally realistic tests designed to uncover latent mission-critical flaws that traditional verification testing may miss. This tutorial explains the TLYF process, its implementation steps, expected products, and how it differs from conventional testing methods. Participants will learn how to apply the process to space, launch, and ground system development, understand its role in systems engineering and mission assurance, and use its results to inform programmatic decisions.
3:15 - 5:00 p.m.
Mass Properties in Aerospace and Beyond
Presenter: James Blair, Raptor Scientific
Mass properties affects many components in the aerospace and defense field. Proper knowledge and understanding of vehicles mass properties including weight, center of gravity, moments of inertia, and products of inertia help optimize performance across multiple industries and vehicle platforms. This presentation focuses on the different methods of understanding and collecting data, as well as how different industries utilize known information to correct and ensure mission success.