Reliability considerations for communication satellites

Abstract

A detailed program covering all phases of reliability for a communication satellite was presented. In long mission programs such as this one, reliability is the prime consideration in assuring a successful accomplishment of the stringent goals set forth. Reliability principles and methods were incorporated in delineating each major task in the program. These principles and methods not only aided the reliability personnel in performing their duties better, but also assisted the design group, manufacturing personnel, and the testing and evaluation group in performing their jobs efficiently by being aware and knowledgeable of reliability engineering. Various reliability disciplines were imposed, as requirements, on the different groups assigned to the high reliability program. As each group in the program organization became aware of the many problems encountered in this type of program, the reliability personnel worked with each one, incorporating the methods and controls of reliability. These methods and controls aided the design group in designing a system with reliability as the prime consideration. The manufacturing personnel received training and indoctrination instructions in reliability practices, thus enabling them to build a system at the highest level of reliability. The testing and evaluation group used reliability and statistical analysis techniques in their testing programs to check out the design and manufacturing of the satellite. The results and accomplishments speak for themselves. Checking the record to date shows a very successful phase of communications by way of satellite. The feasibility of satellite communications has been proven and the future for more sophisticated techniques looks excellent