An application of fielded hardware reliability data to reliability theory for the Space Transportation System
- Paper number
IAC-10,D2,9,9,x8277
- Author
Mr. Manfred Kolmar, United Space Alliance, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Glen Finneman, United Space Alliance, United States
- Year
2010
- Abstract
Typically, spacecraft failure data for fielded hardware are hard to come by since one usually doesn’t get the satellite or probe back to perform troubleshooting and root cause analyses. The Space Transportation System (aka Space Shuttle) program is the only functioning reusable space craft system operating today. Additionally, it has been in operation for 30 years. As such, it is a unique treasure trove of failure and reliability data for fielded space systems. Recent data mining on failure data for the space shuttle orbiter hardware revealed generally favorable trends regarding orbiter hardware. NASA and its Shuttle maintenance providers designed and embraced a Problem Reporting and Corrective Action Program (PRACA) over the life of the Shuttle Program that specifically identifies deficiencies in the Space Shuttle hardware and software. PRACA helps manage non-conforming anomalies by providing an organized system incorporating problem reporting, analysis, disposition and resolution. The primary objectives of such a program are establishing uniform criteria for reporting problems, documenting root cause and corrective action, and defining requirements for trending analysis data. This data has been captured and maintained over the life of the program with particular attention to anomalies that were discovered during the maintenance interval between flights along with those occurring during flight (In Flight Anomalies). Data sources include failure data from NASA‘s nonconformance database, Shuttle sub-contractor and vendor databases, and Shuttle design element and project databases. This paper addresses the general issue of whether the failures experienced on deployed hardware and software are consistent with the conventional thinking in system reliability modeling. As such, how does the reliability model accuracy influence engineering decisions such as: when to redesign; when to adjust operational procedures; how to evaluate vehicle performance against original requirements; and how to adjust training of ground and flight personnel? Additionally, failure history trends are contrasted against other aviation or related fields to shed additional light on reliability model applicability. Copyright © 2010 by United Space Alliance, LLC. These materials are sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration under Contract MMJ06VA01C. The U.S Government retains a paid-up, nonexclusive irrevocable worldwide license in such materials to reproduce, prepare, derivative works, distribute copies to the public, and perform publicly and display publicly, by or on behalf of the U.S. Government. All other rights are reserved by the copyright owner.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)