Dynamic verification of satellite systems using Ilities. Issue 2 (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brown, Mason; Dey, Sharmistha; Tuxworth, Gervase; Bernus, Peter; de Souza, Paulo
• Is Part Of: Journal of space safety engineering. Volume 9:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 257
• Page End: 262
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: Astronautics -- Periodicals; Space flight -- Periodicals; Space flight -- Safety measures -- Periodicals; Space flight -- Safety regulations -- Periodicals; Astronautics -- Safety measures -- Periodicals; Astronautics -- Safety regulations -- Periodicals; 629.4
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jsse.2022.02.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2468-8967

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The research outlines the design for an 'ilities tool' to assist small satellite verification. Prior literature commonly requests for ilities to be built-in to small satellite systems to prevent failure. Test standards are reviewed to define critical ilities. Definitions are then used to develop calculations that system designers can automate with a software tool. Previous failure data are used to predict the reliability of a future small satellite system. Bayesian estimation is applied to a qualitative NASA database of 219 small satellite (0.001–180 kg) failures from 2000 to 2016 to generate eight failure categories. A communication system (47%) or the attitude control (16%) failure are most likely to occur. A failure in the communication system has a low chance of survivability (16%). A failure within the attitude control system is expected to end with partial mission success (54%). The research suggests that an ilities tool can contribute to dynamically aiding verification. Such a tool will complement small satellite verification methods currently described by testing standards.