Failure-space – a systems engineering look at 50 space system failures

Multiple perspectives are presented on failure-event-chain analysis and failure cause categorization followed by description of a systems engineering framework for failure evaluation. The framework consists of engineering and organizational elements typically within the program manager span of control. The systems engineering lens is then used to evaluate 50 space system failures. The high level mapping of failure attributes (causal root structure) indicates the need for across the board systems engineering rigor. That is, failure can propagate from virtually every critical activity in a space system life cycle. Analysis results show strong implication of design, design verification and test, manufacturing/production, and manufacturing/production verification and test as recurrent causal factors in space system failures. The Failure Space perspective reminds one of the need for thorough and complete risk management and assurance process implementation over the life of a project as well as increased emphasis on lessons learned and recurrent monitoring of critical process fidelity.