Parts selection should be guided by the NASA
Parts Selection List (NPSL) and GSFC
311-INST-001, both of which provide for 3 part levels.
Level 1 parts are inherently low
risk and are suitable for use in all applications including life
support, mission critical, single-string and single-point failure.
Level 1 active parts should be reviewed for radiation hardness.
Level 2 parts have inherently higher
risk than level 1 and are considered moderate risk. Level 2 parts
are suitable for most general purpose space flight applications but are
not recommended for life support, mission critical, single-string or
single-point failure applications unless there is on-orbit reparability.
Level 2 active parts need to be evaluated for radiation hardness.
Level 3 parts are inherently high risk
because there is little dependable data or history available for them
and changes in their materials, designs and processes may occur
continuously without notification. Level 3 parts are intended for
mission applications where the use of high risk parts is acceptable.
Level 3 parts should not be used in single-point failure or
single-string applications unless a very high risk for failure or
malfunction is acceptable. Level 3 parts must be evaluated for
radiation hardness, radiation testing is recommended.
The inherent risk of the parts selected may be mitigated to meet
application needs by qualification and up screening, in accordance with
GSFC 311-INST-001. The project manager shall approve the quality
level selected for the application.
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Michael J. Sampson
Manager, NASA EEE Parts Assurance Group (NEPAG)
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