Impact of Various Spacecraft Mass Fractions Over Spacecraft Reliability

Abstract

Reliability poses a significant parameter to define the extent of durable mission and satellite lifespan. Over decades numerous researchers have found numerous factor that affects spacecraft lifespan as well as reliability. In this paper, we have defined three different spacecraft mass fraction parameters relative to the spacecraft’s dry mass, propellant mass, and payload. Thereafter, we have related the above-mentioned parameters to spacecraft lifespan and reliability. The result showed that the spacecraft mass fraction imposes a significant impact on satellite reliability thereby affecting its lifespan during the course of a mission. Following, we have hypothesized spacecraft mass fraction limit ideal for a durable mission. In addition to that, we have proposed some factors that play a major role in determining the reliability of spacecraft.