Improvement of EGSE Architecture and Software in Last Decades
János Nagy(1), Bálint Sódor(2), Sándor Szalai(2), Wigner RCP, HAS(1) Konkoly-Thege 29-33 1121 Budapest, Hungary
[email protected]
SGF Ltd.(2) Pipiske 1-5/20 1121 Budapest, Hungary [email protected]
ABSTRACT
The EGSE (Electrical Ground Support Equipment) is a test system for satellite flight
hardware. The EGSE supports all phases of assembly, integration and final validation test. In
this paper we present improvement in EGSE architecture development over the last 25 years.
The subsequent EGSE architecture for missions followed the hardware performance
improvement, and the software technology also followed the improvement provided by
hardware. In these two and a half decades we worked with four generations of EGSE. In the
eighties we started EGSE development for VEGA-Halley mission, based on a microprocessor
standalone system. The next stages of EGSE architecture were based on standardized
industry computer, - typically IBM compatible PCs - with dedicated interface cards, which
used the resources of standardized computers; the next generation of EGSE consisted of two
physical units, one was a commercial computer and the other one was an embedded
processor (transputers or Intel processors) card – they are either dedicated interface cards,
partly self-developed or widely used industry-standard cards - for signal level simulation with
serial communication line between the units; the fourth generation of EGSE contains high
speed bus for internal communication. The use of embedded processor made possible
simulation and data acquisition in real-time.
The software work started in assembly in the first generation of EGSE. The latest
operating software was applied on a distributed intelligence system containing Windows and
real-time Linux platforms. The Windows running on the commercial computer offers
advantages of user friendly interface of GUI (based on LabWindows or Java), and efficient
data storage and processing capability. A wide range of graphic software development tools
is available for Windows, which help GUI development fast and efficiently. Linux, compiled
from existing kernel modules at our institute, allows the real time simulation and data
acquisition running on the embedded processor. Software environment insures a lot of
advantages. Some of them are as follows: the user can control all functions through GUI,
definition timed sequence of commands, decoding and visibility of housekeeping packets,
mathematical operation can be performed on data, e.g. polynomial interpolation, Fourier
transformation, etc. Commands can be contained in macro file with pre-written timings. The
HK packets can be displayed by even a non-skilled software user simply as well, since an
easy readable decoder file decodes them according to calibrated physical units.
INTRODUCTION
In this article, we present how EGSE which has developed by WRPC to test space
experiments changed from the early eighties as a result of technical development.
EGSE from the Eighties
Our institute joined the experiment Halley-VEGA in the 80s, and then we took part in
television system development. The mission aimed at the investigation and observation of
comet Halley, and to broadcast pictures about the comet during the approach. Key dates of
the project include launch, December 1984, flyby March 1986. 1The onboard television
system controlled the approach phase in the near region of the comet. During this phase the
transmission time of commands between the space probe and the ground control center
would have required too much time in comparison with flyby times. The close approach
duration was three hours. The mission ensured double redundancy by doubling the probe.
They were VEGA1 and VEGA2.The distance at the nearest approach was 8,900 km by
VEGA1 and 8,030km by VEGA2. The first time in history we obtained pictures of a comet
core - and independently, without direction from earth continually VEGA probes followed the
comet nucleus. It was the first time in the history of space exploration when autonomous
control was based on a real-time image processing. Our institute designed and built several
instruments for the VEGA mission.
In the eighties different autonomous simulators were used to test equipment. Autonomic
microprocessor based systems were developed to test each individual research equipment.
As a result of the spread of PCs in the early nineties, PCs were introduced to and applied in
many fields. Instead of processor unit development, PCs offered a quick alternative to the
realization and implementation of control, management and data collection with computers.
During development of the EGSE interface cards are developed for the interface surfaces
and they are placed in the PC.
Rosetta Lander Simulator is a shared computer network consisting of five computers. CDMS
message hardware is based on a transputer. Simulating control PC works in XML to ensure
user friendly environment for operators.
EGSE after 2000
EGSE in the late Nineties
The widespread application of embedded processors has enabled engineers to integrate
processors in individual cards. It improved intelligence and computational power of any
particular card.
Our institute and SGF Ltd. participate in the development of the Plasma Wave Complex
(PWC) instrument to measure the particle and electric environment of ISS.
ISS Plasma Wave Complex (PWC) has 11 sensors, on two side around ISS. The task of our
institute is to develop the data acquisition and control system for PWC sensors. It consists of
three computers (two of them are outside ISS)
The task of SGF Ltd. is to develop EGSE.
The Rosetta probe of the European Space Agency began its nearly ten year long journey to
Comet Churyumov–Gerasimenko on 2nd March, 2004.
The probe which is close to the comet is divided into two parts, one part (i.e. the orbiter) of
the comet orbit, the other unit called Philae (Lander) which lands on the comet surface. The
Rosetta lander will be the first set of research equipment in the history of space exploration
that gently descends to a comet core where it can investigate changes of activity of a comet.
The picture shows the photo of EGSE for RPC (RPC Rosetta Plasma Consortium) and its
blockscheme . It simulates the onboard bus of RPC. Instruments connected to onboard bus
can be tested by application of EGSE for RPC. The EGSE is based on an upgraded
commercial computer, which simulates spacecraft communication interface, power supply
and interface sensor simulators. Softwares running on IBM compatible PC are Windows NT
and Delphi. The software of the embedded processor is a self developed task oriented
language.
Rosetta Lander Simulator
The picture shows the TV system of Vega-Halley and the autonomous test equipment for the
particle analyzer of VEGA.
In the eighties, all
instruments
and
functions were tested by
dedicated
test
equipment
developed
individually. In addition
to the space instrument,
the development and
assembly
of
test
instrument may have
required significant work from engineers. The block scheme shows the realization of EGSE in
the eighties , standalone instrument to check every device.
Standalone Instrument
for Special Functions
The CDMS (Command and Data Management System) is the onboard computer of Rosetta
Lander. The name of Rosetta Lander is Philae. It was designed by our institute in cooperation
with SGF Ltd. a small Hungarian company.
Tasks Rosetta Lander Simulator are the following:
- - training staff,
- - testing operational schedules,
- - performing long term tests,
- - performing data transfer tests,
- - running and testing telecommands sequences, and
- - testing software of the onboard computers.
Device to Check
References:
[1] G. Tróznai, A. Baksa, S. Szalai, B. Sódor: Spacecraft Simulator for Philae
9th, International Workshop on Simulation for European Space Programmes, Noordwijk, The
Netherlands – 6-8 November 2006
EGSE in the First Half of the Nineties
Spectrum-X-Ray-Gamma
The project was an international astrophysical project. The space probe was originally
planned to be launched in 1998. However, the mission was cancelled after a delay of ten
years long. The scientific objects of the project are the following: observation of known, as
well as discovery of new gamma sources. Instruments and their EGSE were prepared.
11111
SESP 2012: Simulation and EGSE facilities
for Space Programmes
1
ESTEC ~Noordwijk
25-27 September 2012
-
[2] Cs. Lipusz, A. Balázs, B. Sódor, G. Tróznai, J. Sulyán, K. Balajthy, Z. Pálos, S. Szalai:
Examples of Reuseability of Concepts and Development Results International Workshop on
Managing Knowledge for Space Missions, Passadena – 17-19 July 2007
2
2 22222
SESP 2012: Simulation and EGSE facilities
for Space Programmes
1
ESTEC ~Noordwijk
25-27 September 2012
[3] IAC-06-B4.3.09 INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION: STUDY OF NEAR-SURFACE
ENVIRONMENT International Aeronautic Federation congress - section "International
experiments onboard ISS". Valencia, Spain, Oct. 2-6, 2006