Optical and Space Structures are never built without extensive materials, sub-component and full-scale (EM or FM) testing. San Diego Composites is committed to building a world-class composites testing capability in order to provide customers with a full range of in-house options. This avoids costly and risky transportation of critical hardware to third-party facilities.

San Diego Composites currently supports most material allowables test standards; including hot/wet environments for missile and aircraft applications. With a full data acquisition system in place, we have successfully tested composite hardware in various static and shock environments as well. A high-speed camera system is also employed to provide visual data of test runs when required. Currently, SDC is in the process of designing and fabricating a large load frame which will provide static test capability up to 50,000 pounds.

Each year the company expands it inventory of test equipment. One of the thrusts in 2008 will be the addition of optical measurement equipment, which is required to quantify the carbon-carbon mirror technology performance during its continued development. In the meantime, SDC uses outside vendors to support this activity.