MIL-STD-810 Testing | Element U.S. Space & Defense

MIL-STD-810

MIL-STD-810 is the Department of Defense test method standard for environmental engineering considerations and laboratory tests.

It describes how to tailor equipment design and test limits to the conditions the hardware will see over its service life, and provides laboratory test methods for environments such as temperature, humidity, altitude, salt fog and sand and dust.

Aerospace Environmental Simulation

Center of Excellence

Element U.S. Space & Defense runs environmental testing to MIL-STD-810 at its Orlando, FL Center of Excellence. Orlando lists temperature, humidity, altitude, salt fog, blowing sand and dust, rain, thermal shock, solar heating and explosive atmosphere among its environmental capabilities.

View Location Related service: Environmental Simulations →

Common Questions

What is MIL-STD-810 testing?

MIL-STD-810 testing uses laboratory methods to show how equipment holds up in the environments it will see over its service life, such as heat, cold, humidity and sand. Element U.S. Space & Defense runs environmental testing to this standard at its Orlando, FL Center of Excellence.

What does tailoring mean in MIL-STD-810?

The standard is not a fixed checklist. Test methods and levels are selected and adjusted to match the environments the hardware will actually face. Your program defines that tailoring, and Element U.S. Space & Defense can run the tailored methods and levels your approved test plan calls for.

Is there such a thing as MIL-STD-810 certified?

MIL-STD-810 is a test method standard, not a certification program, so there is no single government certificate for passing it. A product claim should state the methods, procedures and levels tested. A lab such as Element U.S. Space & Defense documents those details and the results in a test report.

Which MIL-STD-810 methods are most common?

Commonly specified methods include 501 high temperature, 502 low temperature, 507 humidity, 509 salt fog, 510 sand and dust, 514 vibration and 516 shock. Your program selects the methods that apply. Element U.S. Space & Defense can confirm which methods each lab performs for your test plan.

What environmental conditions should aerospace electronics be tested under?

It depends on where the hardware will operate, but programs commonly consider temperature, altitude, humidity, thermal shock, vibration, shock and contaminants such as salt fog or dust. MIL-STD-810 or RTCA/DO-160 usually frames the requirement. Element U.S. Space & Defense tests to both at its Orlando, FL Center of Excellence.

How do I conduct MIL-STD-810 gunfire shock testing?

Gunfire shock falls under Method 519, which addresses repetitive high-rate pulses transmitted to equipment near firing weapons. Test levels and procedures come from your tailored plan, and accelerometers record the response. Ask Element U.S. Space & Defense about this method when scoping your program, and the team can route the request.

What are the key differences between commercial and military testing requirements?

Military programs usually apply standards such as MIL-STD-810 and tailor them to mission environments and contract requirements. Commercial programs follow industry or regulatory standards, such as RTCA/DO-160 for airborne equipment. Element U.S. Space & Defense tests to both, so a program can compare requirements before planning a test sequence.

Which revision of MIL-STD-810 should I test to?

The revision named in your contract or procurement specification governs, even when a newer release exists. Share it with your request to Element U.S. Space & Defense so the Orlando team can scope the right methods. The current text is available through DLA ASSIST.

What should I send when requesting a MIL-STD-810 quote?

Send the specification, revision, methods, procedures and levels called out, plus equipment dimensions, weight, operating requirements and any monitoring needed during test. Giving Element U.S. Space & Defense this information early helps the Orlando team plan the chamber setup, the test sequence and the data your program needs.

Is MIL-STD-810 testing at Orlando accredited?

The Element U.S. Space & Defense facility in Orlando, FL holds ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation from A2LA. An accreditation's scope lists the specific tests it covers, so ask the team to confirm a particular MIL-STD-810 method against the current scope. Details are on the Accreditations page.