Catalonia Space Labs
Applus+ Laboratories
Applus+ Laboratories is an international provider of testing, inspection and certification services with extensive experience in the space sector. It offers integrated capabilities for the verification and qualification of equipment and systems in accordance with international standards (ECSS, MIL, RTCA/DO).
Its facilities enable testing on components, subsystems and complete platforms, including controlled conditions compatible with cleanroom environments. The company supports manufacturers, integrators and agencies through all phases of the development cycle, contributing to the reliability, safety and performance of space systems.
Infrastructure/equipament
EMC, radio and electrical testing
Comprehensive electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), radio frequency (RF) and electrical testing capabilities for space equipment, from individual components to complete satellite systems. Tests are performed in accordance with ECSS standards (e.g. ECSS‑E‑ST‑20‑07), MIL‑STD‑461 and RTCA/DO‑160 where applicable.
These include emissions, susceptibility, RF testing and electrical interfaces. The facilities allow operation under controlled conditions compatible with cleanroom environments, minimising contamination during the testing of sensitive hardware. Support is provided for both qualification and verification campaigns.
Vibration and shock testing
Mechanical qualification testing via vibration and shock, representative of launch and separation conditions. Applicable to equipment, subsystems and complete satellites. Tests are performed in accordance with ECSS standards (e.g. ECSS‑E‑ST‑10‑03) and equivalent international references (MIL‑STD‑810).
Facilities can operate under cleanroom conditions (ISO 8), guaranteeing hardware integrity throughout the campaign. Qualification, acceptance and failure investigation activities are all covered.
Environmental testing
Environmental testing to simulate operational conditions as well as space or terrestrial environments: temperature, humidity, thermal cycling and environmental stress combinations.
Applicable to components, subsystems and complete equipment. Tests are aligned with ECSS standards (ECSS‑Q‑ST and ECSS‑E‑ST series) and other international regulations (e.g. MIL‑STD‑810) depending on program requirements.
Material and structural qualification testing
Evaluation and qualification of materials and structures used in space applications, including mechanical properties, load-bearing behaviour, ageing and specific testing according to program requirements. Activities are aligned with ECSS standards (e.g. ECSS‑Q‑ST‑70 for materials). Tests are applicable to materials, joints, structural components and subassemblies. Support is provided for material selection processes, design validation and failure analysis.
Calibration and characterisation of microwave communication systems
Calibration and characterisation services for microwave and RF communication systems and components, including the measurement of critical parameters (gain, losses, noise, linearity, etc.). Applicable to flight and ground equipment. Tests are performed using high-precision instrumentation with metrological traceability and aligned with international standards. Support is provided for performance validation, systems integration and functional verification.
Design and manufacture of custom test benches
Design, development and integration of customised test benches for space and high-demanding applications. Includes solutions for functional, electrical, RF and environmental testing, tailored to specific client or mission requirements. Capability covering everything from concept to commissioning, including instrumentation, automation and control software. These systems enable the reproduction of real operating conditions and the optimisation of verification and qualification campaigns.
