ASU Achieves Certification to Build Custom Aerospace and Defense Instruments In-House

Arizona State University Facility Gains AS9100D Certification, Expanding Research Capabilities

When experimental astrophysicist Christopher Groppi at Arizona State University (ASU) needs a specialized tool for his cutting-edge research, he can’t rely on typical hardware stores. His work requires unique, sensitive instruments often fabricated at high-end aerospace machine shops. However, contracting with these commercial shops can be time-consuming and costly.

Groppi, a professor in ASU's School of Earth and Space Exploration, explains the challenge: "High capability aerospace machine shops aren’t interested in small, custom jobs like ours. They're focused on large-scale orders for companies like General Dynamics and Honeywell. As a small customer, we often face high costs and long waits.".

Fortunately, ASU’s Instrument Design and Fabrication Core Facility has recently achieved AS9100D certification from the Performance Review Institute Registrar, enabling them to take on custom, in-house projects that meet aerospace, defense, and space industry standards. This makes ASU one of the few universities in the U.S. with such a capability.

This certification has already had a tangible impact. Groppi contracted the facility to work on the Terahertz Intensity Mapper, a NASA-funded project. The facility constructed the optics for a 2-meter diameter telescope that will be part of a balloon-borne observatory set to launch from Antarctica in August. This project highlights the critical role the facility plays in supporting research that commercial industry cannot easily accommodate.

With this certification, ASU is not only enhancing its research capabilities but also reinforcing its commitment to supporting innovative, high-impact projects in aerospace and defense, securing its position as a leader in academic research and development.