Challenges in building Hi-Rel Electro-optical payloads using non standard Components
- Paper number
IAC-08.D1.5.8
- Author
Mr. Samudraiah D.R.M, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), India
- Coauthor
Mr. KiranKumar A.S., Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO),SAC, India
- Coauthor
Mr. Parmar R.M., Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO),SAC, India
- Coauthor
Mr. Paul Sandip , Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO),SAC, India
- Coauthor
Mr. Lal A.K., Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO),SAC, India
- Year
2008
- Abstract
ISRO has designed and developed many operational Electro-Optical Remote sensing payloads and operated them through IRS series of satellites. LISS cameras onboard IRS-1A provided 36.25m and 73m resolution multi-band VNIR images in 1988. Since then the sensor developments had taken leaps in providing space based imageries with improved spatial, spectral, radiometric, and temporal resolutions. The data available from these sensors is operationally used for land, ocean and atmospheric studies and surveys. Realization of the state of the art sensors posed many challenges. Conventional wisdom says that only “Standard” and already qualified parts should be considered for use in operational satellite systems. It means that the parts have been in use for long, come from qualified manufacturing lines, have low failure rates and sufficient space heritage in similar applications. Here the reliability is based on designs, history, materials, technology, application environment, traceability information, screening results, etc. However, the need for using state of the art devices and technologies to build better payloads is in direct contradiction with the above gospel. Further, in many cases, cost and restricted availability of standard parts drives one to use non-qualified parts for space use. ISRO had developed the operational Remote sensing payloads using the non-standard parts. The usage of non-standard parts was possible by adopting a pragmatic approach, with a judicious mix of conservative design and rigorous testing. This approach has borne fruit with more than 11 satellites logging an average life of > 8 years against a design life of 3 to 5 years. With the continually diminishing sources for Hi-Rel parts, obsolescence and fast changing technology scenario, the above approach has become all the more relevant. This paper discusses the challenges faced and approaches adopted to gain confidence in the use of non-standard parts in realization of Electro-optical payloads.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
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