scope:

Abstract:

The ATMOS instrument experienced a randomly occurring failure on the ground that was fixed each time by resetting the instrument. After an extended investigation that failed to identify the failure mechanism, the workaround was employed successfully on repeated Shuttle flights.

For low-cost, reflyable experiments, generate preplanned in-flight workaround procedures for random performance anomalies to enable successful repeated flights, consider cost tradeoffs in risk assessments, and view the testing and qualification rules established for single flight projects as guidelines only.