AEROSPACE REPORT NUMBER: TOR-2009(8591)-13, SPACE VEHICLE FAILURE MODES, EFFECTS, AND CRITICALITY ANALYSIS (FMECA) GUIDE (15 JUN 2009)

AEROSPACE REPORT NUMBER: TOR-2009(8591)-13, SPACE VEHICLE FAILURE MODES, EFFECTS, AND CRITICALITY ANALYSIS (FMECA) GUIDE (15 JUN 2009)., National Space programs have been surprised late in the life cycle (in I&T or on orbit) with the late identification of critical failures, single-point failures, unintended fault effects, and the associated reductions to system reliability. This document provides guidance to the unmanned, space-vehicle and launch-vehicle industry by preparing this SV FMECA Guide. The guiding direction for creation of this document was; - Identify existing references and assess best practices for FMECA across the domestic and international space industry - Establish a current and relevant guidance document explaining the different levels and types of FMECA which can be performed over the life cycle of a National Space Program. Provide recommendations on the scope of FMECA which should be performed as a function of system or product complexity, life cycle phase and space vehicle classes; Focus on FMECA for space vehicle design (exclude manufacturing/I&T process FMECA); and Define the interface between FMECA and Fault Management