Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analysis of the Langmuir Probe Instrument for ROMEO satellite

Small satellites are revolutionizing space exploration, offering a cost-effective solution for research and communication. However, operating in space comes with some challenges, especially the interaction with the plasma environment, which can affect satellite performance and reliability. That is why this study explores the reliability of the Langmuir probe, which provides information on electron density for plasma diagnostics.

Using the MIL-HDBK-217F and the FIDES guide, a Failure Mode, Effects, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) is conducted to identify risks in the electronic components based on theoretical models. In this study, the Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) will be calculated to assess the expected lifespan of the components. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis to identify the risks will be performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the applied mitigation strategies for the mission.

Component selection was done according to the mission’s budget and radiation limit requirements. While radiation remains an important topic in MEO, the short duration of the mission and existing shields reduce its impact. Moreover, a study of how redundancy can impact the reliability of the system is included at the end of the thesis to show that a correct reliability analysis and a suitable design can improve the performance of satellite missions.