Equipment Selection Models for Space Systems: Cost-Effectiveness, Reliability and Maintainability

Several models are developed to illustrate a methodology for equipment selection. By equipment selection we mean assigning computers to applications so that cost, effectiveness, reliability,maintainability,andavailabilityrequirementsaresatisfied.Becausesomanyfacets of the assignment problem must be addressed, the models must be developed and applied incrementally as each requirement is assessed. For example, if equipment had been found desirable from a cost-effectiveness standpoint, it might not hold up under the scrutiny of reliability and maintainability assessments. As a consequence, equipment assignments to applications would have to be revised. To illustrate the assignment process we use the organizational scenario of a space system laboratory that operates an integrated system of web service, safety critical, and home computer applications.