Verification and Validation of Algorithms for Resilient Complex Software Controlled Systems

In response to the challenges described in AF173-CT05, Applied Defense Solutions (ADS) and the University of New Mexico (UNM) (equivalently, the ADS Team) propose to research and develop innovative validation and verification (V&V) algorithms for spacecraft GN&C. The ADS Team is unique in that it brings operational flight GN&C software experience (ADS) with cutting edge research on algorithm V&V (UNM) together. The overall goal is to shift the paradigm in GN&C software development practice from pre-flight simulations combined with on-orbit testing, to more resilient formal V&V design approaches that reduce the reliance on simulation and on-orbit testing. The proposed V&V algorithms: 1) are near real-time computable, 2) assure probabilistic safety and performance, and 3) solve both the maneuver-safety (falsification) and synthesis problems. The approaches and solutions developed by the ADS Team of world class researchers and practitioners of GN&C software design and development will investigate approaches to V&V of algorithms for GN&C of spacecraft. This work is expected to result in a more robust GN&C software that reduces dependence on on-orbit testing.