Cost of Safety for Space Transportation
Author(s)
Krevor, Zachary C.
Wilhite, Alan W.
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Abstract
This paper proposes a methodology that explores the tradeoff between increasing component reliability
and utilizing component redundancy as the strategy to meet space transportation reliability requirements.
This technique would be employed by design engineers to make decisions about a reliability approach. The
tradeoff between component redundancy and making parts more reliable warrants more investigation. System
level reliability decisions are being made without a thorough exploration of cost saving opportunities.
The impact of using redundancy on a system, including how it affects metrics such as development and
operations cost, is presented. Additionally, there is little understood about the resources required to improve
component reliability to acceptable levels. The process of making parts more reliable is studied and
quantified. To incorporate the uncertainty that exists from reliability applications, a stochastic approach
is used. Case studies of historical space systems are presented to demonstrate how this methodology is
applicable. The findings show how a different reliability approach may have resulted in significant cost
reductions. Conclusions are drawn about how to best meet reliability requirements while remaining within
strict budgetary guidelines.
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Date
2006-10
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Text
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Paper