News


A new vibration test system for Dragonfly Aerospace

November 2021 News

Dragonfly Aerospace, a leading NewSpace developer of compact, high-performance imaging satellites and payloads, is investing in a 3000 square metre design and manufacturing facility in Techno Park, Stellenbosch.

This facility will catapult Dragonfly to the forefront of microsatellite constellation production, with enough cleanroom area for satellite and imager assembly and testing. It forms part of Dragonfly’s preparation for serial production of imaging satellites and payloads, intending to deliver up to 48 imaging satellites per year.

To optimise their production workflow, Dragonfly is expanding its in-house environmental test equipment with an electrodynamic shaker system that will be used to simulate launch and flight vibration. TANDM, a test, measurement and automation solutions partner, supplied and installed a Brüel & Kjaer LDS V8900 electrodynamic shaker with a hydrostatic-bearing slip table. Shaker control will be achieved with the Crystal Instruments Spider 81, a premium vibration controller suited for random, sine, RSTD (resonance search, track & dwell), shock and TTH (transient time history) control. This adds the potential to conduct development and certification based on launch vibration specifications, shortens the development cycle and enables Dragonfly to deliver certified products to market.

“The B&K; V8900 shaker from TANDM is a key piece of equipment for our production process,” concludes Dragonfly Aerospace CEO, Bryan Dean. “Even with the smoothest launch vehicle, the trip to space is still a pretty wild ride and we need to make sure our systems are still in perfect condition when they get where they are going.”


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Powering Africa’s industrial Leap at the 2026 Manufacturing Indaba
News
The 2026 Manufacturing Indaba is set to bring together stakeholders to explore how reliable energy can unlock Africa’s industrial future

Read more...
Siemens andDucati extend partnership to advance innovation in MotoGP
News
Siemens Digital Industries Software has renewed its technical partnership agreement with Ducati, and detailed how the Siemens Xcelerator platform has been instrumental in helping the company to create increasingly powerful, safe and sustainable motorcycles.

Read more...
Your chance to make a difference by supporting UKZN’s SMART Lab research
News
UKZN’s SMART Lab is at the forefront of tackling international challenges through innovative, multidisciplinary solutions, and focuses on research that makes a tangible difference to society. Companies affiliated with the SAIMC now have an opportunity to make a meaningful impact through sponsorships.

Read more...
Hitachi Energy named world’s leading supplier of grid automation products and services
News
Hitachi Energy has been recognised as the global market share leader in grid automation for electric power transmission and distribution utilities by ARC Advisory Group.

Read more...
Latest evolution in DesignSpark PCB design software
RS South Africa News
RS South Africa has announced the local availability of DesignSpark PCB version 13, the latest evolution of its award-winning PCB design software.

Read more...
SKF earns top CDP ratings, reinforcing climate leadership
SKF South Africa News
SKF has been awarded an A score in the 2024 CDP Supplier Engagement Assessment, placing the company among the global leaders in supplier climate action and transparency.

Read more...
South African project to tackle e-waste
News
Every year millions of electrical and electronic devices and appliances are thrown away. This e-waste can become a threat to both health and the environment if they are not disposed of and recycled properly. Limpopo recently launched its E-Waste for Youth Employment in Limpopo Province project in order to change this narrative.

Read more...
Hans Beckhoff receives German Mechanical Engineering Award
Beckhoff Automation News
Hans Beckhoff has received the 2025 German Mechanical Engineering Award. This prestigious award honours entrepreneurs who have set standards in machine and system engineering, driven innovation, and taken on social responsibility.

Read more...
Safe solar light for 150 000 people across Africa
RS South Africa News
RS Group has announced a partnership with international development charity, SolarAid to deliver clean, safe solar lights to 150 000 people living in rural communities across Africa without access to electricity.

Read more...
Regalvanising is a cornerstone of the circular economy
News
Steel can be regalvanised three to four times, effectively doubling the lifespan of key infrastructure for 30% of the replacement cost. That is why the Hot Dip Galvanisers Association of South Africa sees regalvanising as a cornerstone of the circular economy.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved