Application of reliability engineering methodology in next generation satellite power system design, manufacturing, and testing

Abstract

Space systems are complex and need to perform under extreme environmental conditions for its expected life, so it is vital to use methodological risk identification and validation of the product in the design stage. For this purpose, the reliability analyses, inspections, and environmental tests mentioned in this paper have been performed methodically during several projects in TUBITAK UZAY. In this paper, TUBITAK UZAY reliability engineering methodology, where ECSS, European Cooperation on Space Standardization standards are used as a guideline, are presented and a real application has been performed for TUBITAK UZAY's Next Generation (NG) Power Distribution Module, UYGAR. Since UYGAR is designed as a part of TUBITAK UZAY's NG power system architecture for Low Earth Orbit, Geostationary Earth Orbit, and Science Missions with a long life high reliability expectation; reliability engineering approach at the beginning of the project becomes crucial. Moreover, power system special requirements are tailored according to European Standard for Space and Electronic Equipment “ECSS-E-ST-20C” and Electrical Power Systems for Unmanned Spacecraft “AIAA-S-122-2007”, by considering single point failure and failure propagation free design to make the electronic design more challenging/robust and make reliability engineering involved in all phases of the project life.