Vehicle health management

Vehicle health management (VHM) for space system avionics can ensure system readiness for launch vehicles and space-based dormant vehicles. In a research to evaluate space system avionics VHM for its guidance, navigation, and control systems (GN&C), researchers examined fault tolerance, redundancy, and levels of built-in test coverage needed to meet system performance requirements. They also analyzed ground and on-orbit test and check-out frequency to determine the tests necessary to meet availability requirements through maintained confidence in GN&C reliability. In addition, they defined the interface between current and advanced diagnostic techniques. Finally, they came up with concepts for commonality between VHM elements and ground-based testing equipment, and avionics laboratory requirements for conducting VHM research and development.