![](\"http:\/\/www.esa.int\/var\/esa\/storage\/images\/esa_multimedia\/images\/2018\/01\/large_space_simulator\/17334169-1-eng-GB\/Large_Space_Simulator_small.jpg\")
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\nThis circular enclosure, made to appear larger still by an array of mirrors at its end, is ESA\u2019s Large Space Simulator<\/a>. Some 15 m high and 10 m in diameter, it is cavernous enough to accommodate an upended double decker bus. \n<\/p>\n \nEurope\u2019s largest vacuum chamber, it subjects entire satellites to space-like conditions ahead of launch. Lowered through a top hatch, satellites are placed on the motion system seen in the centre, which is able to simulate their movements in space.\n<\/p>\n \nOnce the top and side hatches are sealed, high-performance pumps create a vacuum a billion times lower than standard sea level atmosphere, held for weeks at a time during test runs.\n<\/p>\n \nThe mirror array seen in the image reflects simulated sunlight into the chamber, at the same time as the walls are pumped full of \u2013190\u00b0C liquid nitrogen, together recreating the extreme thermal conditions prevailing in orbit.\n<\/p>\n \nPortuguese-born Edgar Martins<\/a> collaborated closely with ESA to produce a comprehensive photographic survey of the Agency\u2019s various facilities around the globe, together with those of its international partners.\n<\/p>\n \nThe striking results were collected in a book and exhibition, The Rehearsal of Space and The Poetic Impossibility to Manage the Infinite<\/i><\/a>.\n<\/p>\n \nCharacteristically empty of people, Martins\u2019 long-exposure photos \u2013 taken with analogue wide-film cameras \u2013 possess a stark, reverent style. They document the variety of specialised installations and equipment needed to prepare missions for space, or to recreate orbital conditions for testing down on Earth.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \nThis circular enclosure, made to appear larger still by an array of mirrors at its end, is ESA’s Large Space Simulator<\/a>. Some 15 m high and 10 m in diameter, it is cavernous enough to accommodate an upended double decker bus. \n<\/p>\n \nEurope’s largest vacuum chamber, it subjects entire satellites to space-like conditions ahead of launch. Lowered through a top hatch, satellites are placed on the motion system seen in the centre, which is able to simulate their movements in space.\n<\/p>\n \nOnce the top and side hatches are sealed, high-performance pumps create a vacuum a billion times lower than standard sea level atmosphere, held for weeks at a time during test runs.\n<\/p>\n \nThe mirror array seen in the image reflects simulated sunlight into the chamber, at the same time as the walls are pumped full of –190°C liquid nitrogen, together recreating the extreme thermal conditions prevailing in orbit.\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n