Failure Prediction Employing Continuous Monitoring Techniques

In this paper, the future need of incorporating failure prediction in conjunction with our space program is established by indicating the limitation of present GO/NO-GO type testing. Presented are advantages of employing continuous monitoring particularly adaptable to lengthy, interplanetary flights and manned vehicles in parking orbits. These advantages are illustrated by many examples some of which allow component failure prediction simultaneously with normal subsystem operation. It is emphasized that additional research is required before some of the continuous monitoring techniques described can be adapted to specific subsystems. However, it is pointed out that this would seem to be warranted in the light of the lives that would be saved and the reduction in mission aborts that could be realized in our future space program by means of failure prediction.