NASA Approach to Space Shuttle Reliability

Abstract

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has continued its policy of employing rigorous reliability controls that began during the initial planning of the U.S. manned space flight programs. Reliability controls included reliability management, parts and materials control, failure modes and effects analysis, reliability numerical analysis, problem reporting and corrective action, test, limited life, and milestone reviews. These controls permitted preventative, appraisal, and remedial disciplines to take place at appropriate times within these programs. The evolution of the Space Shuttle Program and the reliability approach used during its development is discussed and specific reliability disciplines are described with examples given to assess their effectiveness. The auxiliary power unit subsystem is included to illustrate the application of Space Shuttle reliability disciplines. The reliability approach to experiments and payloads is presented, including the management dilemma of assessing the risk in terms of its expense to reliability and quality assurance. Illustrations are included.