Automation of Satellite On-orbit Check-out

TSC proposes to capture essential requirements analysis and systems engineering in Modeling Languages, and integrate the result with a real time network-to-processor level integrated development environment application, specifically for spacecraft On-Orbit Checkout (OOC). Through a standards based approach, models, modeled systems and process flow can be compared and controlled in real time, thereby significantly reducing the cost and time required for the OOC of future AFRL Space Systems. This application space encompasses bus and payload OOC. AFRL expressed a specific objective to explore the boundary between intelligent software design and the point at which fundamental sensor design changes are needed for a representative set of sensors, which would include Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR). TSC proposes fundamental changes in sensor calibration processes in lieu of sensor design changes, thus freeing the sensor designer from some current sensor design constraints. BENEFIT: Our forecast of potential and targeted application(s) of the tools for spacecraft OOC and associated products and services relative to AFRL needs, other Government agencies and commercial markets include the following: • Cutting edge automated software proposed by TSC will make it possible to integrate new mission assurance standards, such as the AIAA S-102 Mission Assurance standard series as part of an automated data sharing. Applicable to single-project, uncoupled, loosely coupled and tightly-coupled programs. • Today, state of the art spacecraft concepts include software updates while on orbit. While connectivity through sIDEreal enables real time comparison of engineering design parameters with data through the OOC process, there are further interesting applications of this suite of tools. While retaining linkage to AFRL’s need for requirement mapping for qualification tests along with verification and validation functions extension to in-flight, on-orbit lifecycle or mission phases. TSC and sysRAND foresee a point where the tools developed under this SBIR in Phase I and Phase II will allow new missions to be assigned to existing spacecraft using a remote version of sIDEreal to significantly change mission software. • The development of specific tools for OOC (e.g., coupled vicarious calibration techniques to satisfy complex systems validation) by sysRAND on an open architecture will create re-usable software products and support services. • We believe there is a potential market for non-space platforms for this tool combination.