Examination of spacecraft anomalies provides insight into complex space environment. (May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McKnight, Darren
• Is Part Of: Acta astronautica. Volume 158(2019)
• Page Start: 172
• Page End: 177
• Publication Date: 2019-05
• Subjects: Spacecraft anomalies -- Space environmental effects -- Space system reliability; Astronautics -- Periodicals; Outer space -- Exploration -- Periodicals; Astronautics; Periodicals; 629.405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2017.10.036
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-5765

Abstract

Abstract: Spacecraft operations are affected by a variety of natural and manmade features that create significant ambiguity as to root cause determination for many anomalies and failures of satellites. The natural space environment comprises dynamic radiation, energetic atomic particles, and particulates (micrometeoroids and orbital debris) that vary temporally and spatially across relevant Earth orbits. Some of the failure mechanisms are further obfuscated by intricate local interactions, the fact that failures are often the result of more than one environmental effect, and lack of diagnostic sensors onboard spacecraft. At the same time, manmade influences on spacecraft anomalies and failures include design, manufacture, integration/installation, parts quality, testing completeness, and operations. These manmade aspects of the anomaly/failure attribution process are equally daunting as much of the relevant information is either not collected or not widely distributed for a variety of reasons. This paper details these dimensions of the anomaly/failure attribution process and provides data from a variety of operational examples to illustrate quantitative and specific actions to enhance the anomaly/failure attribution process short-term and long-term. Highlights: Examined causes of spacecraft anomalies. Explained how space environmental effects impact space systems. Discusses reasons for reduced space system reliability. Compares natural and manmade causes for spacecraft anomalies.