Satellite Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) System Quality Assurance Approaches - A Brazilian Experience

Paper number

IAC-06-D1.5.06

Author

Mr. Adalberto Silva, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE), Brazil

Year

2006

Abstract

The Satellite Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) activities are a logical and interrelated sequence of events. The main objective in this phase of a space program development is to achieve a high degree of confidence that the Satellite complies with its specified performance parameters. In order to reach this goal it implies having not only a very good test infrastructure and a adequate AIT Plan but also a qualified and efficient test team; it is necessary to set forth a AIT Quality Program which applies and coordinates at least the following main points  – control of status of test facilities and means of support, strict control to the test execution, formal test analysis and review of test results, ensuring that the Satellite will be free of latent defects. 

This process is devised to give confidence that the satellite operational objectives, survival to the launch environment, and correct operation during the designed satellite lifetime can be achieved. 

This paper presents a Brazilian experience on AIT quality assurance, at system level, gets through satellite AIT activities executed at Brazilian National Institute for Space Research (INPE) - Integration and Test Laboratory (LIT) – an important satellite testing lab in South America. The paper contains the LIT AIT QA organization; Logbooks and records used, System AIT QA main tasks, Launch Base and GSE related issues, resuming the lessons learned with system AIT QA activities executed with success at LIT with Brazilian and international satellite programs.

Abstract document

IAC-06-D1.5.06.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-D1.5.06.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.