BREMONT SUPERNOVA CHRONOGRAPH COMPLETES SPACE QUALIFICATION TESTING AHEAD OF MOON MISSION I
Bremont announced today that its Supernova Chronograph has completed a rigorous series of space qualification tests while integrated with Astrolab's FLIP (FLEX Lunar Innovation Platform) rover, marking a major milestone ahead of the watch's planned journey to the lunar south pole.
Mounted to FLIP's chassis using a custom-engineered tile plate, the Supernova underwent the same exacting qualification campaign as the rover, including shock, vibration, thermal-vacuum and electromagnetic interference and compatibility testing. The testing was designed to demonstrate that the hardware can withstand the mechanical, thermal and electromagnetic environments expected during launch, spaceflight and operations on the Moon.
The qualification campaign followed a "test like you fly" approach, evaluating flight hardware in its mission configuration under conditions designed to meet or exceed those expected during the mission. For the Supernova, that meant remaining integrated with FLIP while the rover underwent testing simulating launch forces, temperature extremes, the vacuum of space and electromagnetic conditions expected during the mission.
Watch the short video below to see the testing programme.
THE PROTOFLIGHT QUALIFICATION PROGRAMME
SELF-INDUCED SHOCK
Completion of the qualification programme marks a significant milestone for the Supernova Chronograph, demonstrating its ability to remain integrated with FLIP throughout a demanding series of tests designed to simulate conditions expected during the rover's journey to and operation on the Moon.
VIBRATION AND MASS PROPERTIES
FLIP, with the Supernova integrated into the rover, underwent vibration testing simulating forces expected during launch and spaceflight.
THERMAL-VACUUM CAMPAIGN
Inside a thermal-vacuum chamber, FLIP and Supernova operated through temperatures ranging from minus 180 C to 70 C. By recreating the vacuum and severe thermal extremes of the lunar environment, the campaign demonstrated the ability of the rover and its integrated systems to operate without an atmosphere to regulate temperature or dissipate heat.
ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE AND COMPATIBILITY TESTING
Electromagnetic interference and compatibility testing confirmed that FLIP will neither adversely affect nor be affected by the other electronic systems operating across the mission. The testing demonstrated that the rover and its integrated systems can operate within the electromagnetic environments expected aboard the lander, during spaceflight and the lunar surface.
Developed as the first reference in Bremont's new Space universe, the 41mm Supernova Chronograph reflects the principles of precision, durability and purposeful engineering. Its geometric architecture draws inspiration from spacecraft and aerospace technology, while its chronometer-rated BC77 movement delivers a 62-hour power reserve.
Astrolab's FLIP rover will serve as a vital test bed for the larger FLEX rover. Designed for the rugged terrain of the lunar south pole, FLIP features hyper-deformable wheels, a deployable solar array, autonomous navigation systems and high-definition cameras. Its mission will demonstrate critical technologies and gather data to inform future lunar mobility and operations.
With Protoqualification testing complete, the Supernova has cleared a significant milestone on its journey to the Moon.
