Original Date: 04/26/1999
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

Six different international partners are designing and building major elements of the International Space Station (ISS). As a result of this arrangement, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) become vital keys to successfully completing the space station. To address these issues, Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) developed the Integrated Space Station Electromagnetic Compatibility Analysis System (ISEAS). This integrated database system keeps track of EMC between devices and systems on the International Space Station (ISS), and enables engineers to evaluate the effects of EMI on flight systems. Potential EMC problems can then be identified and resolved in a timely manner.

The ISEAS operates by matching the EMI test results on individual hardware items with their wiring configuration and physical location within the ISS. This information permits EMC engineers to assess various parameters (e.g., transient effects; conducted emissions versus conducted susceptibilities; radiated emissions versus radiated susceptibilities) and focus on areas of potential concern.

Early verification of EMC is essential to the ISS project. MSFC is currently using the ISEAS to analyze EMC for ISS Flight 2A, the second module of the ISS to go into orbit. The ‘A’ designates that this component is supplied by the United States. The full benefit of the ISEAS will be realized in about five years when the number of avionics systems and components on the ISS significantly increases. Once fully implemented, the ISEAS will facilitate the timely identification and resolution of potential EMC problems.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.