Safety Design For Space Operations

Endorsed by the International Association for the Advancement of Space Safety (IAASS) and drawing on the expertise of the world’s leading experts in the field, Safety Design for Space Operations provides the practical how-to guidance and knowledge base needed to facilitate effective launch-site and operations safety in line with current regulations. With information on space operations safety design currently disparate and difficult to find in one place, this unique reference brings together essential material on: Best design practices relating to space operations, such as the design of spaceport facilities. Advanced analysis methods, such as those used to calculate launch and re-entry debris fall-out risk. Implementation of safe operation procedures, such as on-orbit space traffic management. Safety considerations relating to the general public and the environment in addition to personnel and asset protection. Taking in launch operations safety relating unmanned missions, such as the launch of probes and commercial satellites, as well as manned missions, Safety Design for Space Operations provides a comprehensive reference for engineers and technical managers within aerospace and high technology companies, space agencies, spaceport operators, satellite operators and consulting firms. Fully endorsed by the International Association for the Advancement of Space Safety (IAASS), with contributions from leading experts at NASA, the European Space Agency (EASA) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), amongst others Covers all aspects of space operations relating to safety of the general public, as well as the protection of valuable assets and the environment Focuses on launch operations safety relating to manned and unmanned missions, such as the launch of probes and commercial satellites

This chapter deals with some key topics of orbital safety. It starts with an overview of the issue of space traffic control and space situational awareness, and then proceeds to address conjunction analyses and collision avoidance maneuvers (CAM), including for the International Space Station. Another kind of collision risk discussed is the jettison of discarded hardware. The chapter then covers rendezvous and docking/berthing operations. Collision safety risks, their causes and consequences, and the measures for protection are discussed in detail. The chapter also covers the issues of space vehicles charging and contamination hazards, including the shock hazard for astronauts involved in extravehicular activities. Finally, the chapter presents end-of life mitigation measures and techniques for space debris removal, such as space tugs, drag devices and electrodynamic propulsion.

Hazards to aircraft are a particular concern for the design of safe space vehicle operations. A valid risk mitigation strategy requires accurately computed risks, and the first section of this chapter discusses this. This is followed by a section on aircraft vulnerability modeling. A straightforward approach for managing aircraft risk, which is often sufficient for low-use airspace, is then discussed. Potential methods for reducing the impact on airspace, which may be useful in the absence of a real-time system, are then explored. Real-time management is covered in the subsequent section, and gives a potential architecture based on the used for management of the US National Air Space for Space Shuttle Orbiter re-entries after the Columbia accident.

Progress in space safety lies in the acceptance of safety design and engineering as an integral part of the design and implementation process for new space systems. Safety must be seen as the principle design driver of utmost importance from the outset of the design process, which is only achieved through a culture change that moves all stakeholders toward front-end loaded safety concepts. This approach entails a common understanding and mastering of basic principles of safety design for space systems at all levels of the program organisation. Fully supported by the International Association for the Advancement of Space Safety (IAASS), written by the leading figures in the industry, with frontline experience from projects ranging from the Apollo missions, Skylab, the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station, this book provides a comprehensive reference for aerospace engineers in industry. It addresses each of the key elements that impact on space systems safety, including: the space environment (natural and induced); human physiology in space; human rating factors; emergency capabilities; launch propellants and oxidizer systems; life support systems; battery and fuel cell safety; nuclear power generators (NPG) safety; habitat activities; fire protection; safety-critical software development; collision avoidance systems design; operations and on-orbit maintenance. * The only comprehensive space systems safety reference, its must-have status within space agencies and suppliers, technical and aerospace libraries is practically guaranteed * Written by the leading figures in the industry from NASA, ESA, JAXA, (et cetera), with frontline experience from projects ranging from the Apollo missions, Skylab, the Space Shuttle, small and large satellite systems, and the International Space Station. * Superb quality information for engineers, programme managers, suppliers and aerospace technologists; fully supported by the IAASS (International Association for the Advancement of Space Safety)

The safety of any space system requires a deliberate and interdisciplinary integration of the flight hardware design with the design of its operations throughout the entire lifecycle of the system. This chapter introduces the subsequent chapters that more thoroughly address safety issues associated with the operations of space vehicles, from the design of the infrastructure on ground, through launch, on-orbit, and re-entry operations. This chapter begins with a discussion of safety and risk management at the conceptual level, including several fundamental goals and definitions. The balance of the chapter describes several seminal events and lays the foundation for a graduate level education in space operations safety.

The lack of widespread education in space safety engineering and management has profound effects on project team effectiveness in integrating safety during design. On one side, it slows down the professional development of junior safety engineers, while on the other side it creates a sectarian attitude that isolates safety engineers from the rest of the project team. To speed up professional development, bridge the gap within the team, and prevent hampered communication and missed feedback, the entire project team needs to acquire and develop a shared culture of space safety principles and techniques.The second edition of Safety Design for Space Systems continues to address these issues with substantial updates to chapters such as battery safety, life support systems, robotic systems safety, and fire safety. This book also features new chapters on crew survivability design and nuclear space systems safety. Finally, the discussion of human rating concepts, safety-by-design principles, and safety management practices have also been revised and improved. With contributions from leading experts worldwide, this second edition represents an essential educational resource and reference tool for engineers and managers working on space projects. Provides basic multidisciplinary knowledge on space systems safety design Addresses how space safety engineering and management can be implemented in practice Includes new chapters on crew survivability design and nuclear space systems safety Fully revised and updated to reflect the latest developments in the field

This chapter is in two sections. The first section describes the typical hazards that may be encountered when processing payloads on the ground. Also described are some of the more common controls for these hazards. Many of these controls are based on hard requirements but they are also based on specific lessons learned. The second section covers gases storage and handling safety. First, for purposes of background, an overview of energy considerations of stored gases is given. The subsection that follows describes the hazards and corresponding causes associated with compressed gases. The remaining three subsections contain the operational controls that should be followed to minimize these risks.

This chapter provides an understanding of quantitative risk assessment as it is applied in the operational phase of complex aerospace missions. It addresses the application of a quantitative risk model that has already been built and reviewed for a project or program that is in the operations phase. Several aerospace examples are discussed, but the focus of the chapter is the use of risk modeling in the operational phase of the International Space Station (ISS) program. Examples are presented to highlight the application and flexibility of risk assessments or trade studies in the operations phase. Operational risk trades account for nearly all of the risk analysis performed for the ISS program.