Largest Thermal Vacuum Chamber at any University in the World Now Operational at University of Arizona

The University of Arizona’s thermal vacuum chamber (TVC), housed within the Applied Research Building (ARB), is now operational, replicating the exact environmental conditions found in space. At 30 feet long and weighing 80,000 pounds, the TVC is the largest of its kind at any university worldwide.

While the average high temperature on a typical October day in Tucson is about 85 degrees Fahrenheit, temperatures on Mars average about minus 81 degrees. All materials—even aluminum and titanium, both of which are commonly used to fabricate satellites—perform differently under different conditions. The TVC enables the testing of materials, instruments, satellites, and spacecraft with unparalleled precision, ensuring they can withstand the extreme temperature and pressure conditions in space.

“It’s the next best thing to space,” said Erika Hamden, director of the University of Arizona Space Institute. “You have to go to NASA or industry to get something bigger. We are really excited to use it for our own missions and instruments, as well as those of our partners.”

“The thermal vacuum chamber is a key asset that positions the University of Arizona to continue leading in space exploration and strengthens our collaborations with industry and government partners,” said Elliott Cheu, interim senior vice president of research and innovation.

This state-of-the-art technology can hold objects as large as a pickup truck and can perform tests ranging from one day to two weeks in duration. Its capabilities mimic deep space with fluctuating pressure and the ability to cool to the temperature of liquid nitrogen, or -315 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The chamber arrived without detailed documentation, adding to the complexity and challenge of the installation process. McCarthy Building Companies, the project’s general contractor, used advanced technology to create a 3D virtual model of the chamber, helping them carefully plan and calibrate each step. To safely lift and position the 80,000-pound chamber, they brought in Stafford Crane and Rigging, experts in handling large, heavy equipment. Thanks to their thorough preparation and careful execution, the installation was completed in just a few hours without any issues.

Open just over a year, the 89,000-square-foot ARB is advancing U of A research in space exploration, advanced manufacturing, and imaging technology. With the addition of the TVC, the facility offers an unmatched environment for spacecraft and instrument testing, solidifying its role as a key hub for space exploration.