The magnetic tape recorder - A data storage and data rate translator for the Earth Observing System (EOS)

Although tape recorders used for recording data on-board satellites in the 1960s frequently suffered higher-than-acceptable failure rates, quality control and several technology upgrades had, by the 1970s, improved recorder reliability to a level surpassing the electronic components. The heightened reliability was obtained when NASA intervened in the certification process, coupled with accelerated and real-time life testing, including elevated temperatures. Improved lubrication schemes augmented the mechanical performance. Since 1977, a 300,000 MTBF has been achieved. Enhanced reliability is essential for accommodating the large data storage requirements of EOS equipment, which will be a part of the Space Station equipment. Tape drives have been used for Landsat, Skylab and Spacelab, and will be on-board the SPOT and JERS-1 spacecraft.