Quieter than expected: ATV-5 acoustic testing

A great update sent in yesterday by ESA’s Richard Chase, working in Bremen at Astrium’s ATV integration hall on Monday this week. He and several colleagues wore conducting acoustic testing inside the Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC) half of ATV-5.

Sound level measurements were performed by David Welsh on behalf of NASA. Credit: ESA/R. Chase

On the evening of 2 September, measurements were taken inside the ATV-5 ICC of the noise generated by the fan that provides air circulation. Such a test is performed on each ATV by an acoustics expert from NASA to ensure that the background noise level will be acceptable on orbit.

First, a temporary closure is installed at the aft end to isolate the ICC from the environment of the integration hall.

A temporary closure is installed at the aft end to isolate the ATV ICC (Integrated Cargo Carrier) from the environment of the integration hall. Credit: ESA/R. Chase

Then sound level measurements are taken at several locations inside the ICC.

The results showed that the ATV-5 fan is performing similarly to the other ATV fans and might even be a bit quieter than the one now operating inside ATV-4.

The sound level measurements were performed by David Welsh on behalf of NASA with support from Jean-Pierre Arlabosse (Astrium), Daniel Paris and Richard Chase (ESA).