Determining Availability Characteristics of DSN Data Systems Using Discrepancy Report Data

A reasonably economical way was developed to determine availability characteristics of Deep Space Network (DSN) data systems, subsystems, and assemblies using the DSN discrepancy report (DR) data base and DSN operating schedule and history data bases. Operating mean time between failures (OMTBF), operating mean time to restore service (OMTTRS), and operating functional availability (OFA) can be computed by year, by system, by subsystem, by assembly, and by station. The effort required to produce the desired reports is described, specific data on the telemetry, command, and tracking systems are presented, and major contributors to system outages are identified. Future improvements in preparing and analyzing DR data are also outlined to enhance their use in correcting conditions that lead to outages.