STPA Analysis of Brazilian Sounding Rockets Launching Operations.

Sounding rockets are particularly important for studies in the scientific community and one of the main attractions is their relatively moderated cost compared to more complex manned missions. Besides, missions with sounding rockets can have varying high ranges according to their needs. Safety aspects are essential for this type of mission to be successfully accomplished. This work aims to analyze systemic factors that influence safety in Brazilian suborbital launch campaigns. A safety analysis methodology for suborbital launch operations is proposed and carried out for the Alcântara Space Center (CEA) and its iterations with other involved organizations. The study of systems safety techniques applied to Launch Operations at CEA is a truly relevant task because it deals with the preservation of human life, properties, knowledge, and the environment. The Systems-Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) analysis was used as accident causes analysis, based on systems theory, not on reliability theory. The performed analysis was based on historical data from past launches and eventually accidents that occurred. The resulting analysis by the application of STPA to the evaluation phases of the concept, requirements, architecture, and design of a hypothetical two-stage sounding rocket provided valuable information related to the safety aspects of the mission. The results of this analysis show the effectiveness of analyzing the systemic factors that influence safety in suborbital vehicle launch operations, seeking for existing hazards, and creating safety recommendations or restrictions to minimize the probability of the occurrence of hazard events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]