SMOP 2 - dynamic analysis and testing of a mass-optimized satellite structure

A survey of the development, manufacturing, and testing activities which led to a strictly mass optimized satellite structure is provided. The Structural Mass Optimization Program (SMOP) was part of the Supporting Technology Program (STP) for the European Communications Satellite (ECS). The dynamic investigations performed on the primary satellite structure refurbished into a dynamic model within a follow-up program called SMOP are discussed. A modal survey test and a vibration test on the structure were carried out in order to investigate its dynamic performance characteristics and to confirm its dynamic behavior predicted by an eigenvalue and a frequency response analysis.