Intense vibration and shock during ascent subject spacecraft to forces that can compromise delicate scientific instruments. To safeguard missions, NASA engineers at the Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Services Program Office have refined a modeling workflow for finite element analysis that strengthens shock and vibration assessments.

The approach uses a commercial digital tool applied in a novel way to standardize predictions of how rockets and spacecraft endure launch stresses. Engineers in the Dynamic Environments Group created a template that enables rapid comparison of structural responses, visualization of stress points, and verification of test results without relying on extensive manual modeling.

Brian Beaver, chief of the Flight Analysis Division, explained that the method forecasts hardware behavior under extreme conditions before physical construction, allowing early identification of weak spots and failure risks. Alex Hardt, an aerospace engineer with the same office, noted that the team is adapting a long‑existing tool for dynamics work that previously saw limited use within their discipline.

Traditionally, shock and vibration environments were estimated through rules of thumb or by scaling data from earlier missions, a process that depended on engineering judgment and approximations. The new workflow replaces those approximations with detailed simulations that break structures into smaller elements, enabling precise predictions of how components react to specific forces.

By visualizing complex dynamics problems, the software accelerates verification of a provider’s system and uncovers risks that might otherwise go unnoticed. Hardt said the capability has already saved months of effort by allowing independent analysis without waiting for external reports, and by revealing previously unconsidered failure modes.

The standardized template also supports knowledge sharing, refines assessments with additional flight data, and aligns with NASA’s emphasis on people‑focused innovation. As the Launch Services Program Office continues to adopt such tools, it aims to increase the likelihood of mission success for Earth observation satellites, planetary probes, space telescopes, and Mars rovers.

Overall, the updated modeling process enhances safety and efficiency for launch vehicle certification, ensuring that hardware is tested against realistic shock and vibration levels before reaching the launch pad.