Track 1 Session 13
2:20 to 3:20 p.m. Thursday June 11, 2009

Reliability of Complex Electronic Systems for Space Exploration Vehicles

Spacecraft such as satellites and manned or non-manned space exploration vehicles are designed and are required to accomplish complicated commercial, scientific and military tasks in outer space. In addition, the manned spacecraft also have to maintain an environment with conditions suitable for astronauts to live and to work. All of these require spacecraft to be equipped with a robust electric power system that can generate, store and properly distribute electric power to various subsystems, modules and loads at various flight conditions and flight phases. In order to ensure that the electric power system works reliably under specified environments and conditions for a specified life requirement, the reliability of the electric power system needs to be estimated based on the most accurate data available. This presentation discusses a generic electric power system for spacecraft and the methods used for the reliability estimation, analysis and design.