BS EN 16603-35-06:2022 Space Engineering: Cleanliness Requirements for Spacecraft Propulsion Hardware

Standard Number: BS EN 16603-35-06:2022

Pages: 74

Released: 2022-09-30

ISBN: 978 0 539 17538 7

Name: Space engineering. Cleanliness requirements for spacecraft propulsion hardware

Status: Standard

Overview

In the realm of space engineering, maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness is not just a preference but a necessity. The BS EN 16603-35-06:2022 standard, titled "Space Engineering: Cleanliness Requirements for Spacecraft Propulsion Hardware," is an essential document that outlines the stringent cleanliness protocols required for spacecraft propulsion systems. Released on September 30, 2022, this 74-page standard is a comprehensive guide designed to ensure that all propulsion hardware meets the rigorous cleanliness criteria necessary for optimal performance and reliability in the harsh environment of space.

Why Cleanliness Matters in Spacecraft Propulsion

Spacecraft propulsion systems are critical components that enable spacecraft to maneuver, change orbits, and perform various mission-specific tasks. Any contamination in these systems can lead to catastrophic failures, jeopardizing the entire mission. The BS EN 16603-35-06:2022 standard provides detailed guidelines to prevent such risks by ensuring that all propulsion hardware is free from contaminants that could impair functionality.

Key Features of the Standard

• Comprehensive Guidelines: The standard offers a thorough set of cleanliness requirements, covering all aspects of spacecraft propulsion hardware, from manufacturing to assembly and testing.
• Risk Mitigation: By adhering to these guidelines, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of contamination-related failures, thereby enhancing the reliability and longevity of their spacecraft.
• Quality Assurance: The standard includes protocols for quality assurance, ensuring that all components meet the specified cleanliness criteria before they are integrated into the spacecraft.
• International Compliance: As a European standard, BS EN 16603-35-06:2022 is recognized internationally, facilitating compliance and interoperability across different space agencies and organizations.

Detailed Content

The BS EN 16603-35-06:2022 standard is divided into several sections, each focusing on different aspects of cleanliness requirements:

1. Introduction: An overview of the importance of cleanliness in spacecraft propulsion systems and the objectives of the standard.
2. Scope: Defines the applicability of the standard to various types of propulsion hardware and mission profiles.
3. Definitions and Abbreviations: A comprehensive list of terms and abbreviations used throughout the document, ensuring clarity and consistency.
4. Cleanliness Levels: Detailed descriptions of the different cleanliness levels required for various components and subsystems.
5. Contamination Control: Guidelines for contamination control during manufacturing, assembly, and testing processes.
6. Verification and Validation: Protocols for verifying and validating that the cleanliness requirements have been met.
7. Documentation: Requirements for documentation and record-keeping to ensure traceability and accountability.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The BS EN 16603-35-06:2022 standard is indispensable for a wide range of professionals and organizations involved in space missions, including:

• Spacecraft Manufacturers: Ensuring that all propulsion hardware meets the highest cleanliness standards.
• Space Agencies: Setting and enforcing cleanliness requirements for mission-critical hardware.
• Quality Assurance Teams: Verifying that all components comply with the specified cleanliness criteria.
• Research and Development Teams: Developing new propulsion technologies that adhere to stringent cleanliness standards.

Benefits of Adopting the Standard

Adopting the BS EN 16603-35-06:2022 standard offers numerous benefits, including:

• Enhanced Reliability: By ensuring that all propulsion hardware is free from contaminants, the standard enhances the overall reliability and performance of spacecraft.
• Mission Success: Reducing the risk of contamination-related failures increases the likelihood of mission success.
• Cost Savings: Preventing contamination-related issues can save significant costs associated with mission delays, repairs, and replacements.
• International Recognition: Compliance with an internationally recognized standard facilitates collaboration and interoperability with other space agencies and organizations.

Conclusion

The BS EN 16603-35-06:2022 standard is a vital resource for anyone involved in the design, manufacturing, and operation of spacecraft propulsion systems. By providing comprehensive guidelines for cleanliness requirements, this standard helps ensure the reliability, performance, and success of space missions. Whether you are a spacecraft manufacturer, a space agency, or a quality assurance professional, adopting this standard is a crucial step towards achieving excellence in space engineering.

BS EN 16603-35-06:2022

This standard BS EN 16603-35-06:2022 Space engineering. Cleanliness requirements for spacecraft propulsion hardware is classified in these ICS categories:

• 49.140 Space systems and operations

EN 16603-35-06 (equivalent of ECSS-E-ST-35-06) belongs to the Propulsion field of the mechanical discipline, and concerns itself with the cleanliness of propulsion components, sub-systems and systems The standard - defines design requirements which allow for cleaning of propulsion components sub-systems and systems and which avoid generation or unwanted collection of contamination, - identifies cleanliness requirements (e.g. which particle / impurity / wetness level can be tolerated), - defines requirements on cleaning to comply with the cleanliness level requirements, and the requirements on verification, - identifies the cleanliness approach, cleaning requirements, (e.g. what needs to be done to ensure the tolerable level is not exceeded, compatibility requirements), - identifies, specifies and defines the requirements regarding conditions under which cleaning or cleanliness verification takes place (e.g. compatibility, check after environmental test). The standard is applicable to the most commonly used propulsion systems and their related storable propellant combinations: Hydrazine (N2H4), Mono Methyl Hydrazine (CH3N2H3), MON (Mixed Oxides of Nitrogen), Nitrogen (N2), Helium (He), Propane (C3H8), Butane (C4H10) and Xenon (Xe). This standard is the basis for the European spacecraft and spacecraft propulsion industry to define, achieve and verify the required cleanliness levels in spacecraft propulsion systems. This standard is particularly applicable to spacecraft propulsion as used for satellites and (manned) spacecraft and any of such projects including its ground support equipment. External cleanliness requirements, e.g. outside of tanks, piping and aspects such as fungus and outgassing are covered by ECSS-Q-ST-70-01. This standard may be tailored for the specific characteristic and constraints of a space project in conformance with ECSS-S-ST-00.