Got Reliability?: Off the Shelf (OTS) Electronic Parts for Resilient Space Systems

Off-the-shelf parts are attractive for short space missions because they provide advanced capabilities at a lower cost, and they are readily available for immediate use. However, it is often complicated to get detailed product information from foreign suppliers, should it be needed for a mission failure or investigation, and there is a higher risk of counterfeiting within the supply chain. This paper addresses some of the opportunities and challenges posed by these parts and their applicability to space missions.

Authors: Allyson D. Yarbrough, PhD; Shawn P. Ashley; Lawrence I. Harzstark; Maribeth Mason, PhD