SpaceQ chamber: the environment simulator for planetary exploration instrumentation and research

The SpaceQ Chamber is a high "Quality", versatile, chamber for space exploration. A unique feature of this chamber is that it includes USB and DB25 connectors to acquire the instrumentation data while being tested inside. This facility can operate instrumentation in representative space conditions and validate their performance in a simulated environment. Additionally, the chamber can mimic the Martian diurnal/seasonal T and RH% variation within an atmosphere of carbon di-oxide at Martian pressures. The initial HabitAbility Brines Irradiation Temperature (HABIT) onboard ESA/IKÍs ExoMars 2020 mission tests of the launch, cruise and dry surface phases have been successful. In particular, it has shown the transient water absorption of CaCl2 through a sudden increment in electrical conductivity. This new technological facility will be of interest for the Mars, Earth atmosphere and Moon exploration community, as well as for the future prototype design and validation of space exploration instruments.