EMI control in high reliability space systems

Modern launch vehicles, and spacecraft carry complex sophisticated onboard electronic systems. The special features of such systems are diversified functions, use of wide range of spectrum and high density packaging. These factors may give rise to interference problems which can result from delays to even total mission failures. Hence, ensuring electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is an essential part of the overall design and development efforts of spacecraft and launch vehicle electronic systems. The paper briefly describes engineering and management requirements of EMC programme of space systems. It first describes how to establish systems EMC requirements followed by EMC specifications generation, design techniques and test requirements. The paper then deals with electrostatic problems in spacecraft and role ad requirement of analysis programme. Lastly, EMC management aspects are briefly described.