Abstract
Dynamic variability in nominally identical structures is an issue widely studied in structural dynamics community. Small uncertainties and manufacturing tolerances can significantly affect the dynamic behaviour of spacecraft payload. The aim of this paper is the investigation of such dynamic variability generated from both mechanical actuators and spacecraft structure itself. Both aspects will be tackled in this paper, suggesting two distinct approaches able to take into account these variations. First, vibration sources will be analysed by using real space mechanisms data (i.e. reaction wheels) and applying the proposed methodology in different cases. Finally, spacecraft structure variability will be addressed by looking at the dynamic behaviour of the satellite from a subsystem point of view. Such dynamic variability will then be assessed by the definition of specific margin of uncertainty.