International Journal of Reliability, Risk and Safety: Theory and Application

International Journal of Reliability, Risk and Safety: Theory and Application

Risk Assessment of Small Satellites for TVAC Test Exclusion in Rapid AIT Technique

Document Type : Industrial Case Study

Authors
Muhammad Tauqeer 1
Qamar Mahboob 2
1 Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
2 Rolling Stock Department, Orange Line Metro Rail Transit, Lahore, Pakistan
10.22034/IJRRS.2024.7.2.1
Abstract
The Satellite Assembly, Integration and Testing (AIT) is a logical and interrelated set of qualification and verification tests during satellite assembly and integration. Space Agencies around the globe are moving towards time reduction in this phase. For that purpose, a modified form of the standard AIT, called Rapid AIT (RAIT) is being introduced and evaluated for small satellites. In RAIT, some major tests are excluded at the system level. One of those tests is the Thermal Vacuum Chamber (TVAC) Test. There exists risk associated with the success of satellite missions given that tests and verifications of important functions are not realized either due to (1) failure of TVAC or (2) exclusion of TVAC test at the system level. This paper focuses on the risk assessment of mission failure when the TVAC test is not considered at the system level. Expert judgment-based risk assessment of RAIT is provided, given that the TVAC is excluded. Risk assessment of the satellite system considers component failures, loss of performance, delay in project schedule, and associated costs. Risk assessment is made about applicable standards.
Keywords
Plug and Play Satellite
Rapid Assembly, Integration & Testing of the satellite
Thermal Vacuum Chamber Test, Risk Assessment of the satellite
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International Journal of Reliability, Risk and Safety: Theory and Application
Volume 7, Issue 2
October 2024
Pages 1-14

  • Receive Date 17 May 2024
  • Revise Date 21 August 2024
  • Accept Date 24 August 2024