Usage of COTS/EEE Parts in Space Applications—An Overview

Abstract

Many challenging space application requirements can be met using COTS. The time comes (better sooner than later) for the policymakers to reach a consensus on applying the COTS philosophy to space applications. This policy change is critical for the space industry. This paper attempts to suggest different issues to be tackled in order to meet technical, quality assurance, and cost requirements using COTS. A less heavy package results in a smaller payload for the same board dimension; this provides a huge weight advantage for space missions because the payload mass defines the launch vehicle requirements. Potential reduction in cost can be achieved by using various methods like screening, accelerated testing, or partial qualification techniques to complement the existing commercial qualification as well as by the reduced package materials costs. Assessment of the risk associated with potentially lower reliability devices, engineers within the commercial and aerospace industries are using trade-off and risk analysis to aid in reducing satellite system cost while increasing performance and maintaining high reliability.