News | < 1 minute Reading Time | 2017-11-09

Test Like You Fly, Fly Like You Test

When building a rocket there is a whole flight certification process, and qualification is an important part of that. It proves the hardware meets the requirements and performs the way it is designed to do. Of all parts of a rocket, the engine section is perhaps the most critical during launch. The weight of the massive rocket is pushing down, while the engines are pushing up with millions of pounds of thrust. Whether it is an engine for experimental rockets or for commercial spaceflight, adequate testing is critical to the success of each launch program.

Engine testing is done in the same way and for the same duration that will be needed during an actual launch. The idea is to replicate as close as possible how the engine will be used on a space mission. That is why there is a saying in the rocket business: “Test Like You Fly, Fly Like You Test”.

Because of the cost and risk associated with developing and testing an engine, a reliable test setup is vital. Maintaining system consistency and accuracy in a harsh environment is putting stringent requirements on the data acquisition equipment. DAQ systems must be able to record, display and process up to 2000 different parameters, varying from pressures, flow rates, vibrations and temperatures. Real-time sample rates may vary form 10 Hz to several kHz. The Q.series’s accuracy, flexibility and reliability makes it the data acquisition system of choice for world’s leading engine manufacturers and engine testing facilities.

Please read the full article on our measurement solution for rocket engine testing on page 76 in the Aerospace Testing International Showcase 2018.

Products & Services

Q.series X D101 SV: Digital Measurement Module with Sensor Supply

The Q.series X D101 4 x Lemo 2B SV from Gantner Instruments is a digital measurement module that has been engineered to facilitate a broad spectrum of digital signal processing tasks. It is designed with a focus on providing accurate and rapid data acquisition for industrial applications that require high-performance measurement capabilities with integrated sensor excitation.

News

Gantner Instruments Presents Cryogenic Measurement Solutions for Hydrogen Technology

Hydrogen systems are a steadily growing field encompassing several technologies, such as liquefied hydrogen storage tanks, fuel cells, and cryogenic engines. These require meticulous temperature monitoring to ensure system integrity and performance. Operating in these low-temperature environments presents unique challenges, such as thermal contraction of materials, sensor self-heating, and the non-linearity of cryogenic sensors. Without accurate measurement, performance degradation and potential system failures become risks.

Success Stories

Monitoring Porto’s New 400-Meter Metro Bridge

Porto is expanding its metro network, and a key challenge was building a new Douro River crossing that enhances mobility without disrupting the city’s iconic bridge landscape. The result is Ponte Ferreirinha, a slender concrete frame bridge carrying metro trains, cyclists, and pedestrians, blending seamlessly into a dense urban environment.

Events

Gantner Instruments TechDay

On April 28, 2026, Gantner Instruments invites you to the GI TechDay DACH 2026 at their headquarters in Schruns, Austria. Join this free event focused on testing and inspecting electric drives, batteries, and fuel cells.