Space Risk Assessment Tool

The Space Risk Assessment Tool (SpaceRAT), developed jointly between QinetiQ and Sciemus, enables insurers to quantitatively assess the risk involved with space satellites. The user is able to obtain statistical analyses of particular spacecraft and to use these analyses to predict likely claims in the future. The analysis is based on an extensive database of spacecraft extending back over twenty years and up to a year into the future.

For a given satellite the past performance of satellites based on the same or similar spacecraft platforms is an important predictor of future reliability. In addition to a statistical population knowledge of failures on a particular spacecraft enhances the accuracy of results when renewing an insurance policy.

A screen-shot from the SpaceRAT application

Users can also add their own information which is stored in a secure area, inaccessible to other users. Proprietary data can thus be entered in a secure manner.

The underlying mathematical model is based on QinetiQ's extensive experience in space-systems reliability. A satellite is broken down into a number of 'critical components' with an associated level of redundancy. Failures on similar spacecraft in these critical systems will influence the reliability of the spacecraft.

The tool is available on a QinetiQ driven web-site.

Sciemus were recently selected as one of the top 50 companies to watch in 2005 by Real Business Magazine, are committed to developing complete solutions for risk assessment in a variety of sectors including Space.