Evaluation of the Mechanical Stability of Optical Payloads for Remote Sensing Satellites Based on Analysis and Testing Results

Akzhigitov D. Zhumazhanov B. Kulakayeva A. Zhumazhanov B. Kapar A.
November 2025 Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)

Sensors
2025 #25 Issue 21

Highlights: What are the main findings? Finite element analysis indicated sufficient stiffness of the optical payload, while vibration testing identified key modal frequencies within the 300–1340 Hz range, predominantly in the secondary mirror bracket and electronics unit. Discrepancies between simulation and test results highlighted the heterogeneous nature of damping, necessitating the incorporation of localized damping coefficients for improved model accuracy and reliable structural predictions. What is the implication of the main finding? The identified modal frequencies and the heterogeneous damping characteristics necessitate a refined approach to structural modeling, moving beyond uniform damping assumptions. Accurate representation of these parameters in future designs is crucial for predicting payload response to launch loads and ensuring long-term operational reliability. This paper presents the results of numerical modeling and vibration testing of a nanosatellite’s optical payload, aimed at assessing its mechanical stability under the mechanical impacts of launch. The purpose of the study is to compare finite element modeling (FEM) data with experimental testing to refine the computational model and improve the reliability of mechanical stability predictions. The methodology included an FEM analysis with an average damping coefficient, an adapter blank test, a resonance study with a low-level sinusoidal run, random vibration tests, and a sinusoidal pulse test. The FEM results showed an average yield margin of safety MoS = 2.5 with a minimum MoS = 1.8 in the primary mirror mount area. The adapter blank test confirmed the absence of natural resonances in the operating range. The resonance study revealed modes in the 300–1340 Hz range, with the most pronounced peaks in the secondary mirror bracket (520–600 Hz) and the electronics unit (1030–1100 Hz). A comparison of the root mean square (RMS) acceleration values between calculations and tests revealed discrepancies due to the heterogeneous nature of the damping. The values of ζ determined by the half-power method varied from 0.9% to 4.8%, which confirms the dependence of the damping properties on the frequency and localization of the modes. The obtained results confirmed the structural integrity of the payload, allowed for the localization of structural elements, and substantiated the need to consider actual damping coefficients in FEM models. The presented data can be used to optimize the design and improve mechanical stability during payload integration into the satellite platform.

damping coefficient , FEM , nanosatellite , payload , satellite , vibration testing

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Ghalam LLP, Astana, Z05G9X0, Kazakhstan
Department of Radiotechnics, Electronics and Telecommunications, International Information Technology University, Almaty, A15M0F0, Kazakhstan

Ghalam LLP
Department of Radiotechnics

10 лет помогаем публиковать статьи Международный издатель

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