MSI-DFAT: A Mission-Critical Partner in the Modern Space Race

In industries with fast-paced innovation cycles, every minute counts. This is especially true in the dynamic world of spacecraft and satellite development and manufacturing. Efficiency, precision, and speed are not only mission-critical – they can be the difference between failure and success.

In the past several years, we have seen countless companies in the space industry be borne by innovation and destroyed by competitive destruction. In the modern space race, one small company stands out as a proven and reliable partner for spacecraft and satellite manufacturers to maintain their competitive edge: MSI DFAT.

MSI DFAT helps their clients ensure space-grade product performance by simulating one of the operating environments a spacecraft will encounter in its journey to outer space - all while still here on planet earth before the launch ever happens. The company invented a novel approach to meet launch authority regulations in a fraction of time and cost compared to other methods. Simply put, MSI DFAT (Direct Field Acoustic Testing or DFAT®) is a game-changer.

Cutting Corners The Right Way: Shaving Time and Cost on AI&T

With MSI DFAT’s innovative services, clients can cut corners the right way. The ability to shorten testing cycles without compromising quality or regulatory compliance is a game-changer for businesses looking to stay ahead of their competition.

Assembly, Integration & Test (AI&T) of spacecraft and satellites is time-consuming, lengthy, and laborious - yet mandatory. Despite the advancements in software-simulation, we anticipate that no one will ever risk flying a multi-million dollar spacecraft or satellite without experimentally testing it at least once pre-flight. So, how can companies speed up these hardware testing processes and workflows, and also reduce cost in the mandated testing steps (e.g., TVAC, EMI, Shaker Testing, etc.)?

While MSI DFAT does provide DFAT system sales for permanent installation in an AI&T facility, we are particularly fond of MSI DFAT’s “DFAT-as-a-Service” offering. DFAT-as-a-service by MSI DFAT allows customers to leverage their 275+ combined years of expertise to considerably accelerate and condense their client’s Assembly Integration and Test (AI&T) program timelines. In the modern space race, even a few small weeks of time can be the difference between beating out a competitor or missing a major launch window.

Acoustic testing has long been a time-consuming and costly endeavor. Traditionally, manufacturers have relied on cumbersome testing methods, involving complex hardware setups, extensive lead times, and high costs associated with insuring, shipping, testing, and finally getting a final test report deliverable for their Unit Under Test (UUT). However, MSI DFAT’s DFAT-as-a-Service redefines what’s possible by offering the now industry-accepted approach they invented and pioneered back in 1998. By leveraging their service, businesses can expedite their programs without sacrificing quality or compliance.

The key advantage of MSI-DFAT is providing their customers with rapid program delivery. Thanks to their cutting-edge acoustic testing equipment designs, 240+ verified acoustic tests under their belt, and a highly experienced team of test operators, MSI DFAT can achieve acoustic testing results in just one day. This is a mere fraction of the time and cost that it would take as compared to traditional methods, such as using reverb chambers. The 240+ DFATs from satisfied clients demonstrate their track record that no other company on the planet can compete against. This ability to streamline the testing process is invaluable to businesses that need to meet tight deadlines or accelerate their time-to-launch.

Optimized for Performance: Incremental Improvement Since 1999

A unique feature of MSI DFAT’s offering is the ability to create, shape, and control different acoustic zones. Acoustic testing is often complex due to the need to simulate various environments and conditions. MSI DFAT’s expertise allows them to create both uniform and non-uniform acoustic fields, providing clients with highly customizable and accurate testing scenarios that mirror various real-world conditions. With the ability to shape and control distinct acoustic zones, MSI DFAT ensures that clients can test their products in highly relevant scenarios, gaining valuable insights into how they will perform in the real world.

The company’s systems are engineered to test across a wide frequency range from as low as 16 Hz to 31 kHz – even outside of the range of human hearing - enabling them to capture and analyze the broadest spectrum of acoustic phenomena from any equipment provider. This broad frequency coverage allows for more comprehensive testing and validation of various products, ensuring that every potential acoustic issue is detected and addressed before products reach the launch site.

Modular Speaker Designs: Customization and Flexibility in Test Setups

One of the standout features of MSI DFAT’s equipment is the modularity of their DFAT system designs. MSI DFAT understands that no two testing environments are alike, and that customization is key to ensuring that every project is successful. Their modular DFAT systems allow clients to adapt the test setup to their specific needs, offering flexibility and scalability that traditional systems simply can’t match.

This modularity is particularly beneficial for clients who need to adjust the testing environment for different products, frequencies, or acoustic conditions – such as boosting up the low-end frequency content while holding the higher frequency range constant – all without adding substantial cost to the acoustic test event. MSI DFAT’s speaker systems can be configured to deliver the exact acoustic environment required by the specification. This level of flexibility ensures that clients can achieve optimal results across a wide range of environmental scenarios and applications.

Back To The Lab: Enhancing Next-Gen Acoustic Performance and Simplicity

At MSI DFAT, innovation is at the core of everything they do. The company is constantly pushing the envelope to deliver better acoustic performance from their loudspeakers and easier-to-use solutions for their clients. MSI DFAT is currently developing new loudspeaker designs that build off of their 30+ years of experience of DFAT application. These designs will soon be introduced to the market. While we are unable to mention any specifics, we can report that these new models will feature improved acoustic output performance while offering even more precise control over the acoustic environment. The next-gen system also significantly improvements of system ease of use for test operators and technicians. The company’s ongoing commitment to incremental improvement ensures that clients are always equipped with the latest and most advanced tools for their acoustic testing needs.

MSI DFAT: The Mission-Critical Partner for Reaching Space Quickly

MSI DFAT stands out as the leading partner and gold-standard for businesses looking to optimize their AI&T protocols. By providing rapid program delivery, cost savings, and cutting-edge technology, MSI DFAT ensures that clients can meet their acoustic testing needs with precision, speed, and efficiency. Their ability to shave time and cost as compared to traditional methods while also delivering high-quality, industry-standard results positions them as an indispensable partner in the modern space race.