Failure modelling of satellite systems and use in contingency simulation

Due to the operational requirements of military satellite communications it is essential that they are able to cope rapidly with stresses and failures to the system. This problem is far more complex in the military field than for civil operators due to the diverse range of communications services provided, the security requirements placed on the system, and the increased range of threats to the system (such as electronic warfare). The paper describes work being done at DERA Defford into the problem of modelling the effects of different failures in the satellite system, and how this information can be harnessed in providing operator assistance in the event of failure. It also describes other applications of this technology in related areas