Carrying preliminary design through ECSS Product Assurance — for an ESA Earth observation mission
Project details
Customer: HPS GmbH
Branch: Space
Service Period: 07/2022 – 07/2024
The challenge
My customer was developing the deployable antenna system (LDRS) for ESA’s CIMR mission.
To support the Preliminary Design Review, the project needed timely and solid evidence for Safety Analysis, Cleanliness and Contamination Control, Fracture Control and Critical Items Control — all in parallel and aligned with the project schedule.
Cooperation
For my customer, I developed the required Product Assurance evidence backbone for the preliminary design phase:
- A Safety Analysis that could be carried forward into the next project phase.
- A Cleanliness and Contamination Control Plan tailored to the antenna system.
- A Fracture Control Report adapted to the deployable mechanism.
- A coordinated Critical Items List that provided visibility and control over the project’s technical risks.
The result was a Product Assurance package that enabled the customer to enter the PDR with confidence.
What we have achieved
Outcomes that remained after the engagement:
Ready for PDR and EQM
The required Product Assurance evidence was in place to successfully complete the PDR and begin manufacturing the Engineering and Qualification Model (EQM).
An operational PA team
Newly hired team members were prepared to support the next ESA project phase, while experienced personnel remained available for their responsibilities in other programs.
Increased confidence in action
Product Assurance affects more than a single function. Through the collaboration, engineers, managers and specialists gained practical understanding and increased confidence in their day-to-day decisions.