Structural Diagnostics, Prognostics and Health Management for Future Space Vehicles: Development, Implementation and Testing

Abstract

Future space vehicle will incorporate a broad range of technologies for increased safety, situation awareness, and autonomous operation. It is envisioned that diagnostics, prognostics and health management (PHM)will enable monitoring and decision support for a variety of spacecraft systems, components and structures. This contribution highlights PHM elements applicable to space structures. Constitutive elements of PHM are discussed in light of multifaceted management of space structures from fabrication to retirement. In addition to classical PHM elements, aspects unique to space systems are highlighted: pre-launch diagnostics as a pathway to by-pass certain qualification tests, validation of component deployment, catastrophic event monitoring and assessment, and ability to report reentry breakup event. PHM approach to space structures is discussed in light of prior development, implementation and testing of structural health monitoring systems flown in stratospheric and sub-orbital flights as well as prior laboratory work and current development of ISS experiments. Examples of propagating and standing wave damage detection approaches are presented. Physics-based model including sensor, structure and measurement methodology is reported. Impact of space environment factors on sensor and structural response is estimated. It is advocated that the PHM could be a key element of future information-centric space vehicles.