FRACTURE CONTROL OF PAYLOADS DEVELOPED BY ESA

摘要

Fracture Control of payloads developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) is currently implemented according to the Fracture Control Standard ECSS-E-30-01A. An overview is provided of the underlying principles. Some details of the selection process of potential fracture critical items and the subsequent implementation process are highlighted. The focus is on microgravity payloads for Space Shuttle (STS) and International Space Station (ISS). Recently, the ESA Fracture Control Certification Panel was formed. It is part of the pay load safety certification process for ESA sponsored payloads on the Space Shuttle and the ISS. This panel certifies the payloads in accordance with the Fracture Control requirements as defineded in the ECSS-E-30-01A standard. Finally, some Fracture Control related ongoing developments are highlighted.