EMI/EMC, lightning, radiation shielding design approach for the Dragon COTS spacecraft: Part I

Designing the Dragon COTS (Commercial Orbital Transfer System) for EMI/EMC interface compliance to the International Space Station (ISS) is a complex task. It involves designing Dragon for self-compatibility, compatibility with the Falcon 9 Launch Vehicle, designing to the LEO Space radiation environment, as well as interface compatibility to the ISS mechanical, electrical and RF interfaces. This paper describes the Space Exploration Technologies tailored approach to achieve Dragon spacecraft self-compatibility, compatibility with the Eastern Launch Range RF requirements and interface compatibility to SSP 30237, 30238 and 30243, respectively, the ISS requirements for EMC emissions and susceptibility, and test methods for verification and overall ISS EMC compatibility. The detailed design analysis methods used to predict design performance are described, as well as the detailed tailored test methods used to verify functional performance and margins to the Falcon 9 LV, Eastern Launch Range RF requirements, and the ISS suite of EMC and survivability requirements.