Multidisciplinary approach to the design of high pressure oxygen systems

Several examples of spacecraft systems fires are examined. Much of the design, manufacture, inspection, test, and operation of current high pressure oxygen components and systems has been driven by weight, cost, functional, and schedule requirements. As a result, little coordination has been expended on design for safe operation. While the number of oxygen related fires has not been large, their cost, including program losses and delays, has been very large. Most of these failures need not have occurred.