Malin Space Science Systems · 2025
VENDi Shutter Characterization
Fixture, automation, and environmental validation
Overview
A full fixture and automated test workflow for characterizing a mechanical shutter across voltage and extreme temperature conditions for the DAVINCI mission.
01
A fixture that makes timing visible
I designed, machined, and assembled a multi-layer fixture that aligned the shutter with LED and phototransistor sensors. The plate stack controlled the optical geometry while keeping the shutter accessible for repeated environmental testing.
SolidWorks assembly of the shutter timing fixture.
02
Repeatable tests, not one-off captures
The electrical setup combined dual power supplies, a waveform generator, MOSFET switching, and an oscilloscope. I wrote Python automation to sweep voltage, trigger the shutter, capture waveforms, and log open delay, close delay, actuation time, and current behavior.
Tools & methods