Space Power Supplies from a Program Management Perspective

Space power supplies are unique from a program management perspective because designing, analyzing, testing and manufacturing is more like contracting than volume manufacturing. With space power supplies:

• Quantities are usually low
• The mean time to failure must be very high, since power supplies can’t be repaired in space
• The space environment is more harsh and different than the terrestrial environment
• There are unique assembly and testing requirements

The best way to build space power supplies today is to use pre-designed hybrid DC/DC converter modules. Modules are physically compact. Using hybrid DC/DC converter modules saves time and money and promotes the incorporation of heritage designs.

Incorporating modules in the space power supply is necessary, but not sufficient. Since the module function is limited to give greatest commonality, most applications require additional components and circuits, which are best added external to the modules.

Changes within the hybrid modules may be required due to special customer requirements. These include changes due to:

• Changes as part of the conceptual design
• Changes directed by analysis results
• Changes directed by customer reviews

These changes often go in opposite direction to performance or functions required in the general market. The module manufacturer nevertheless must accept the need for the changes within the module and make the changes correctly and expeditiously.