EMI testing adequacy and flight anomaly history

The effects of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and the space environment on the performance of long-duration spacecraft hardware are surveyed, and the implications for prelaunch test procedures are indicated. Topics addressed include the need for onboard environmental monitoring devices to aid in the identification of environmentally induced anomalies, environmental modeling methods, the existing spacecraft-anomaly data bases, electrostatic discharges, radiation effects, magnetic-field effects, and terrestrial sources of EMI. Statistical data on EMI-induced anomalies are presented in graphs and discussed in detail. It is recommended that testing beyond the current MIL-STD levels be performed on equipment for long-term missions such as the Space Station.