scope:

Abstract:

Data from a health check of the MSL spacecraft, conducted following acoustic test and prior to solar thermal vacuum test, suggested excessive RF signal loss due to possible telecom subsystem damage during the prior test. An investigation revealed that the signal loss readings were due to significant measurement inaccuracies attributable to measurement limitations and to the application of the system-level test process. The lesson offers 10 recommendations in the areas of system test preparation and test execution and review.