1. Identification of Components
Indigenisation activity starts with the identification of components, materials and subsystems which are candidates for import substitution. Such items are selected for which requirements are significant in terms of volume and vendor is capable to manufacture.
2. Identification & Evaluation of Vendor
Potential vendor is selected based on survey, past experience for handling similar projects etc. The vendor is evaluated for their capabilities in terms of expertise in required domain, existing work areas, process line, available test & measuring equipments, quality systems etc.
3. Preliminary evaluation of the Products
Prototype samples made by the vendor are evaluated for their functional requirements. Deficiency observed, if any, is informed to the vendor. Improved / modified samples are manufactured by the vendor and evaluated.
4. Process line & Operators certifications
It is required that subsystem/hardware to be used in the spacecraft shall be fabricated in the clean room with specified procedure. Clean rooms are specified in terms of class 100, class 10000 etc. with controlled levels of temperature, humidity, air pressure etc. The fabrication & inspection activities are carried out by the operators, specially trained & certified by SAC.
5. Manufacturing & Testing of Samples
Thereafter, vendor manufactures the samples using certified process line. These samples are similar to the subsystem/hardware to be used in the spacecraft, known as Qualification Sample. These samples are subjected to testing as per approved test plan under SAC’s surveillance & guidance. The results are reviewed and if it meets the requirements, it is declared qualified. Otherwise fresh samples are manufactured after necessary corrective action and testing is repeated.
6. Verification of Qualification (VOQ)
Over a period of time, if quality of components are found to be degraded, non conformances are observed during testing, change in machine & parameters w.r.t approved PID, validity of qualification expired, etc. are observed, then VOQ is carried out. Fresh samples are manufactured and subjected for testing as per approved plan.