Every successful mission begins long before the countdown. Long before a spacecraft reaches the pad, it endures a series of rigorous ground tests designed to validate its structural integrity, environmental resilience and operational readiness. These tests form the foundation of mission confidence, ensuring that hardware can perform exactly as intended in flight.

At Acoustic Research Systems (ARS), we support aerospace programs through technologies and services engineered to make this process efficient, reliable and repeatable. Our approach combines precision testing, proven systems and collaborative expertise to help organizations prepare their missions for liftoff with certainty.

Building Confidence Through Qualification

Qualification is more than a requirement. It is a safeguard against the complex and often unpredictable demands of launch and space environments. To support this process, ARS offers a coordinated set of capabilities structured around three core areas:

Direct Field Acoustic Noise (DFAN) Testing

Our proprietary acoustic technology, powered by the Neutron™ System. Engineered specifically for ground-based launch simulation, this system provides high-power, full-range acoustic environments with repeatability across campaigns.

Environmental Test Services

A suite of complementary environmental capabilities delivered by ARS and our established partner network. These services include vibration testing for small and large payloads, mechanical shock testing up to 10,000G, thermal vacuum testing and tensile or compression testing to support structural and material evaluation.

Support and Measurement Services

Integrated data acquisition, analysis and risk-focused guidance available within any ARS testing campaign, as well as independently when required. These services provide transparent, engineering-ready data to support design decisions and qualification outcomes.

Together, these capabilities form a reliable pathway from early development through flight configuration, supporting the full lifecycle of aerospace hardware.

Precision Systems Designed for Launch-Level Demands

Accurate testing requires more than capability. It requires systems engineered to reproduce complex environments with consistency.

The ARS Neutron™ System, Core Rack and Drive work together to deliver this performance:

Neutron™ Acoustic Devices

• Provide full-range output with high efficiency and no additional sub-bass reinforcement needed
• Feature pre-set protection limiters and standardized tuning to ensure reliable, repeatable test conditions
• Include purpose-built attachment points and safety markers for stable, predictable deployment around test articles

Core Rack

• Houses amplification, power distribution and safeguard limiters via a single three-phase mains connection
• Balances load across phases to reduce current draw and improve thermal performance
• Offers one-cable connectivity to each Neutron™ device for safe, error-free operation

Drive

• Enables complete control and monitoring of any size system configuration by a single operator
• Integrates high-channel-count data acquisition, capturing both acoustic and structural metrics with aligned time histories
• Offers flexible connectivity through Cat6 or fiber, supporting mobile and fixed test environments

Together, these systems turn complex test campaigns into efficient, predictable engineering workflows.

A Collaborative Approach to Test Success

While our technology underpins the testing process, our people ensure its success. ARS engineers, technicians and specialists work directly with customer teams to guide every stage of the campaign. Our support includes:

• Pre-test planning and assessment
• On-site configuration and verification
• Real-time engineering support during testing
• Clear, aligned data output for program-level decisions

With decades of combined aerospace experience, our team approaches each campaign as a partnership, ensuring progress with clarity, safety and technical rigor.

Preparing Missions for Liftoff

From component-level development to full spacecraft qualification, ARS supports mission readiness through reliable acoustic testing, coordinated environmental services and detailed measurement support. By combining proprietary technology with collaborative engineering, we help teams move confidently through the essential steps that precede launch.