• Journal of Aerospace System Engineering
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.11-20
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• 2024

In the recent era of NewSpace, unlike high-reliability satellites of the past, low-reliability satellites are being developed and mass-produced at a lower cost to launch constellations satellites. To achieve cost-effective cluster satellite development, satellite users and developers need to assess the feasibility of maintaining mission performance over the expected lifespan when cluster satellites are launched. Plans for replacements due to random failures should also be established to maintain performance. This study proposed a method for assessing system reliability and availability to maintain mission performance and establish replacement strategies for Earth observation constellation satellites. In this study, a constellation reliability and availability model considering mission performance required for a satellite constellation, situations of satellite backup, and additional ground backups was established. The reliability model was structured based on the concept of a k-out-of-n system and the availability model used a Markov chain model. Based on the proposed reliability model, the minimum number of satellites required to meet mission requirements was defined and satellites needed in orbit during the required mission period to satisfy mission reliability were calculated. This research also analyzed the number of spare satellites in orbit and on the ground required to meet the desired availability during required service period through availability analysis.