Qualification of a Networked Pyrotechnic Initiation System for the CST-100  Starliner Spacecraft  David Novotney*, Craig Boucher*, Joseph Smith*, Robert Morlath* and Hervens Beauge* Abstract  Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense (EBAD) Company has more than 60 years of continuous innovation  in the field of space components and subsystems. While EBAD first developed linear expolosive  technologies such as Linear Shaped Charge for separation events on missile and manned space platforms,  we have added newer technologies such as Non-Explosively Actuated (NEA) mechanisms made by our  NEA Electronics and TiNi Aerospace subsidiaries for separation events on spacecraft launched in the last  15 years. The traditional method of pyrotechnic initiation on manned and Mars exploration platforms involve  large batteries supplying high current pulses (greater than 5 amps) via heavy gauge wires to NASA or ESA  Standard Initiators for U.S. and European-based platforms. EBAD developed a smart, networked initiation  system several years ago as a means to simplify the complexity and lower the weight of the pyrotechnic  initiation system. We recently completed qualification of this initiation system for Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner  spacecraft developed for NASA’s Commercial Crew Development program and believe this technology has  benefit to newer space platforms.  Introduction  Satellite and spacecraft platforms employ many “one-shot” devices and mechanisms for payload,  communication, propulsion, and power systems. These mechanisms are used for solar array and antenna  deployment, separation events, propulsion and instrument boom deployment, propulsion isolation valve  actuation, and battery cell isolation switch activation. Critical timing of these events are magnified on  manned and exploration platforms, where fast-acting pyrotechnic events are employed to assure  achievement of millisecond timing and simultaneity of multiple events, especially during events for safe  landing on Earth, Mars, or other space bodies.  The number of “one shot” events on manned and exploration platforms can range from more than fifty to  greater than one hundred. This is also the case for many large geosynchronous satellite platforms and  satellite constellation dispensing systems, where the number of “one shot” mechanisms can easily be  greater than fifty. The tax on the power systems and weight / complexity of cable harnessing consume  valuable resources that could be used for additional payload capability.  EBAD developed a smart networked initiation system several years ago as  a means to simplify the complexity and lower the weight of the pyrotechnic  initiation system. We recently completed qualification of this initiation  system for Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft developed for NASA’s  Commercial Crew Development program. This system saved significant  mass from the mission by simplifying the one-shot cable harnesses, and  by lowering the peak power load required during pyrotechnic initiation. This  paper discusses the networked initiation technology, the qualification effort  for CST-100, and application for future satellite and spacecraft platforms,  including future use with many non-pyrotechnic actuated devices. *Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company, Simsbury, CT Proceedings of the 44th Aerospace Mechanisms Symposium, NASA Glenn Research Center, May 16-18, 2018 NASA/CP—2018-219887 263