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   RESEARCH
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Some tests shake, rattle and roll instruments to see if they stand up to launch vibrations. Other tests use nondestructive crawlers to march up the sides of ships and aircraft hunting for defects.
 
Testbed

Engineers make tiny strips that flex like real muscles.
Engineers make tiny strips that flex like real muscles.
Great spacecraft and innovative technologies are not born they are designed. The instruments that make up a spacecraft require intricate designs and thorough testing to live up to their promise. To accomplish this, superior design facilities and highly trained engineers strive to turn a great idea into a workable device. Before anything flies, spacecraft go through rigorous testing. Engineers on the ground must anticipate every possible scenario, similar to those the spacecraft will encounter during its mission - from the harsh vibrations of launch to the icy cold nights and fiery rays from our Sun during the day.

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Thin line

Research:

New Millennium Program New Millennium Program
   This program oversees the testing of new technologies during space flights. It's essential to test some technologies in space because spacecraft encounter environments and situations that cannot be tested on the ground. 		Center for In Situ and Sample Return Center for In Situ and Sample Return
   This site details JPL's lead role in developing new technologies to study a planet in situ, meaning from a stationary position on a planet's surface. The center also looks for ways to send soil and other samples back to Earth for further study.
Nondestructive Evaluation and Advanced Actuators Webhub Nondestructive Evaluation and Advanced Actuators Webhub
   A range of developing JPL technologies for use in space and on Earth - including an ultrasonic drill, machines that walk the sides of aircraft while examining them and noninvasive methods of surgery - are explored. 		Advanced Thermal and Structural Technology Group Advanced Thermal and Structural Technology Group
   This group develops a variety of technologies including those using cryogenics, precision mechanisms, microdynamic environments, and advanced thermal and aerodynamic concepts.
Reliability Preferred Practices Reliability Preferred Practices
   A summary of reliability design and test practices that have contributed to the success of NASA spaceflight missions. 		Environmental Test Effectiveness Program Environmental Test Effectiveness Program
   The program provides information on the effectiveness of testing spacecraft on Earth. A methodical testing program is essential to prepare space flight hardware for interplanetary missions where it will encounter extreme environments.
Space Science Applications of Information Technology Space Science Applications of Information Technology
   This JPL organization helps introduce new technologies to space science missions.
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