Reliability Analysis of Light Emitting Diode Technologies for Cabin Lighting in Manned Space Flight Applications

Abstract

Light emitting diode (LED) technology is used by the commercial markets to replace traditional fluorescent and incandescent lighting technologies for consumers to take advantage of energy savings. Advantages of transitioning to LED technologies in spacecraft are reduced mass, reduced occupied volume, reduced power, improved color control, longer operating life, and lower cost associated with power consumption and disposal. Components and subsystems that make up the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) require continued performance and operation. A system failure cannot be tolerated for it is extremely difficult to repair and expensive to replace. Therefore, the vehicular LED module must function when launched and continue to function throughout the respective product life-cycle (days, month, or years depending on mission). This analysis evaluates three different LED package types for reliability performance using Electrical, Electronic, and Electro-mechanicals (EEE) parts testing techniques. The goal of the study was to investigate the suitability of commercial off the shelf (COTS) LED technologies in accordance with a probable EEE parts management plan.