Eliminating Software Caused Mission Failures

The availability of common off the shelf components, as well as the ability for multiple satellites to share a launch vehicle, has dramatically reduced the cost of putting a satellite into space. Many satellites are built, but many of these satellites fail to meet their objectives. Often, a satellite's failure is caused by a problem outside the control of a design team. However, in some cases, the failure is caused by human error, and software failures are a likely candidate for human error. Software problems in a satellite application can mean an enormous loss of invested time and money. In this research, programmers of all skill levels were surveyed to identify the characteristics and implications of complicated software. After analysis of the surveys, an effort was made to identify whether programs with characteristics of being complicated contained more faults or required more effort to maintain. Software from multiple open source repositories was reviewed including an estimation of effort based on bug reports and bug discussions. Results from this analysis show that complicated programs do require more effort and are more problematic. This study finds that complicated software causes more errors, and that such software errors can be avoided by conscientiously developing uncomplicated code.