Newry-based test house Resonate Testing has launched the island of Ireland's largest Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) facility, enabling companies to simulate the harsh conditions of space and qualify hardware for launch and orbital operation, as reported by The Irish Post.

The TVAC facility replicates the vacuum and extreme temperature environments encountered in orbit, allowing satellite and space hardware manufacturers to test and de-risk their products before launch. Resonate Testing said the service addresses a critical bottleneck facing the sector, with established national test centres across the UK and Europe facing months-long waitlists for space hardware testing.

Founder and CEO Tom Mallon said: "We're proud to launch the island's largest thermal vacuum chamber to simulate real space conditions right here in Northern Ireland. This major milestone expands what we can do to help innovative companies ensure their satellites and space hardware will survive launch and operate reliably in orbit, and it strengthens our role as a leading test partner for advanced engineering and New Space organisations."

Mallon added that New Space companies often endure significant pain waiting at congested national facilities, and that the one-stop TVAC service gives them a faster, independent alternative to keep projects on schedule and de-risk hardware before launch.

The facility launch arrives as Resonate Testing marks its ten-year anniversary. The company currently serves more than 40 New Space technology clients and provides mechanical, environmental, and fire testing services across a range of high-tech industries.

Northern Ireland's Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins attended the TVAC launch at the Newry site. She said the facility places Resonate Testing and Newry firmly on the map as a leading provider of advanced environmental testing, not just locally but across these islands and beyond, and that the investment strengthens the regional economy by supporting local skills development and enhancing Northern Ireland's reputation as a centre for advanced engineering and innovation.

The launch comes as global demand for space hardware testing continues to rise, driven by accelerating commercial satellite deployment and the expansion of New Space programmes across Europe, North America, and Asia. The ability to access independent, fast-turnaround TVAC testing without travelling to a centralised national facility has direct implications for programme timelines, cost management, and launch readiness for organisations operating at pace in the satellite supply chain.