Resonate Testing and the James Webb Space Telescope

Shockwaves from South Armagh to the Stars 

On Christmas Day 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope launched aboard an Ariane 5 rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. The world watched in awe as the telescope began its journey to Lagrange Point; 1.5 million kilometres from Earth. But few know that part of this historic moment was made possible by a small but mighty SME in Newry, Northern Ireland. 

Resonate Testing, working with Dublin-based Realtra Space Systems Engineering, played a critical role in qualifying the VIKI camera system that captured the last human view of JWST as it separated from the rocket. Developed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the camera needed to survive the brutal shock and vibration of launch. Resonate Testing stepped up, fast, flexible, and focused.  Essential ingredients for ‘New Space’. 

Having previously collaborated with Realtra on vibration testing, Resonate pivoted quickly to develop bespoke shock testing capabilities. The result? A qualification campaign that proved the camera that would perform flawlessly in space. And yes, the shock profile was created using three sledgehammers from South Armagh. Not fancy. Just effective. It’s not what you use; it’s how you use it.  

We salute the visionaries at ESA, NASA, CSA, CNES, and Arianespace. We honour Realtra’s ingenuity. And we take pride in knowing that our test lab, our team, and our sledgehammers helped deliver iconic images that now inspire the world. 

Don’t be a stranger. Be a visitor. Or even a customer. Resonate Testing will surprise you. 

Customer Quote 

Speaking about the collaboration, Danny Gleeson, Chief Commercial Office at Réaltra said: “During the global pandemic, we were faced with difficulties in accessing test facilities due to travel restrictions. We contacted Resonate Testing following a recommendation on their expertise and reputation for delivering high-quality testing at their Centre of Excellence in Newry, only an hour away from us in Dublin. Thanks to their knowledge and innovative processes, we were able to collaborate to complete the shock test qualification locally, maintaining the schedule to support our customer’s needs.” 

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