Testing¶

This document contains procedures and rationale for both prototype testing and QA testing. The prototype tests are designed to ensure the design meets with the specified requirements. The QA tests are designed to ensure kits meet quality requirements before being shipped to a customer.

• Testing
  • Prototype Tests
    • Prototype 1 Tests
      • Tests at Development Facility
      • Satellite Reception Tests
      • "Space Tweet" Tests
    • Prototype 2 Tests
    • Prototype 3 Tests
  • QA Tests

Prototype Tests¶

Prototype tests cover the full range of ground station functions. This includes satellite tracking, signal acquisition, "space tweet" decoding. Additionally, the assembly process will be tested in later prototypes.

Prototype 1 Tests¶

The prototype 1 tests are intended to verify the successful port from of the Ground Sphere from the 435 MHz range of the GS-001 project to the 915 MHz range SkyCube uses and to verify the signal losses introduced in the second GS-001 prototype have been addressed.

Tests at Development Facility¶

we need to ensure this list is complete and all steps are listed for each test

This series of tests should be conducted before shipping prototype 1 to LA for the satellite reception tests.

1. Basic Reception Test - Verify the ground station can receive signals on 915 MHz using lab equipment
   1. Step 1 - ...
2. Long Range Reception Test - Verify the ground station can receive signals on 915 MHz from a distance determine distance to test
   1. Step 1 - ...

Satellite Reception Tests¶

This series of tests will utilize the only available satellites currently broadcasting on 915 MHz (AeroCube 4). Note, at present the TLEs for this satellite are not available in GPredict or the satellite is listed under another name.

1. Basic Reception Test - Verify the ground station can receive signals determine a test frequency
   1. Step 1 - ...
2. Basic Reception Test (x?) - Verify the ground station can receive signals from orbit
   1. Step 1 - ...

"Space Tweet" Tests¶

These tests will be conducted by Southern Stars using laboratory equipment/engineering models to verify the Ground Sphere software works correctly when paired with the prototype hardware.

1. Basic Reception Test - Verify the ground station can receive signals on 915 MHz using lab equipment
   1. Step 1 - ...
2. Decode "Space Tweet" - Verify "space tweet" messages are properly decoded
   1. Step 1 - ...

Prototype 2 Tests¶

These tests are designed to cover the full range of operational capabilities of the Ground Sphere. Verify all requirements from the Requirements Document are covered by one or more tests for prototype 2.

Prototype 3 Tests¶

...

QA Tests¶

tbd