Testing and characterization of ISS pressurized modules vs. on-orbit vibro-acoustic environment—lessons learned

On-orbit vibro-acoustics has found exciting applications in modern manned space systems because of audible noise/human vibration requirements. In the frame of this paper, the results of ATV Design & Verification approach vs. the NC50 and the ISS micro-g requirement are presented. The aim of this paper is to highlight:•the integrated test/analysis approach selected for the Design & Verification of the pressurized modules;•the specific developed methods on how to characterize the disturbers’ I/F forcing function and their emitted acoustics for the full control of the budget contributions to the system-induced vibro-acoustic environment,•the recovery actions’ selection methodology and their design for compliance achievement and pleasant acoustic environment performance,•on-field diagnostic test method to find out the unexpected disturbers’ impact for their further recovery means implementation as per the ATV project,•diagnostic post-processing approach on measured data for the selection and design and implementation of technical solution involving crew activities in the frame of the on orbit tasks of the passive recovery means,•validation testing to see the effect of the implemented acoustic means,•standardization of “industrial procedure” for the next manned spacecraft project generation derived from the AAS-I acquired experience for the on-orbit vibro-acoustics control in the selected Design & Verification approaches.•the sharing of the verification approach at Unit, S/S and system levels to optimize test philosophy and to save cost.