Inspection procedure of an unmanned spacecraft flight plan using a simulation model of the onboard control complex

Аuthors

Zhigastova O. K.^*, Pochukayev V. N.

Central Research Institute of Machine Building, 4, Pionerskaya st., Korolev, Moscow region, 141070, Russia

*e-mail: inolga-ok@yandex.ru

Abstract

Purpose
The article is devoted to the technique of automated test of unmanned spacecraft flight plan. The technique is based on the use of spacecraft onboard control complex (SCU) as a test device. The execution of this test makes it possible to provide conclusions about the correctness of the flight plan and submit its progress during the flight to the SC. Design/methodology/approach
Inspection procedure of the created flight plan is based on the verification of a number of key parameters characterizing both the correctness of the flight plan transfer on the spacecraft and the correctness of its construction. It consists of three stages.
The transfer of flight plan on the spacecraft performed using formal structures called phrases. The first step is validation of the flight plan transfer provided as a set of phrases.
The second step is a test of acceptance of phrases in SCU. The integrity of the phrase, its structure and validness of data contained in it are checked. Next, the flight plan is converted to the type in which it was prior to its submission in the form of phrases.
The third test phase of the flight plan is in the process of passing through the SCU structure. It is performed with the technique called the «closure» condition. As a result of the SCU flight plan executing the data is generated and it is similar to content of the original plan that was sent to SCU. Comparing these data, we can determine the accuracy of the plan. If the plan was created correctly they will be equal. This check is the essence of the «closure» operation.
Findings
Feasibility check of spacecraft flight plan is an important step in the planning procedure which is impossible without SCU. In this case SCU must be presented in a form of a mockup or simulation model. The second option is more rational and has a substantial economic benefit. Considered structure of simulation model of SCU has shown that it can be applied to create models for different SCU SC. The proposed simulation model of the SCU was created and put into practice of SC control circuit. Its reliability and efficiency have been proven in normal and abnormal control schemes.
Research limitations/implications
The proposed method of checking the flight plan using a simulation model of the SCU can be used for flight control of unmanned and manned spacecrafts.
Originality/value
1. Checking method of flight plan consists of three phases. The most important part of it is the use of «closure» condition the essence of which is to compare the information specified in the flight plan and similar data obtained as a result of the passage of the plan through a simulation model of the SCU.
2. Using a simulation model of the SCU instead of the mockup can significantly reduce the check time of the flight plan to simplify the verification procedure itself and make it economically viable. 
3. Analysis of the structure of the SCU have showed similarity of performed function tasks for the various spacecraft. Because of this it is possible to create a basic framework for the development of such simulation models, as well as general requirements for them. 
4. The structure of SCU simulation model and function scheme of its blocks was created on the basis of the SCU «Meteor-3M» and «Coronas-Photon».
5. Presented data confirms the correctness of the SCU simulation model and proves the possibility of checking the flight plan correctness using this model. Keywords: spacecraft, flight planning, flight plan, control commands, simulation model, «closure» condition.

Keywords:

spacecraft, flight planning, flight plan, control commands, simulation model, «closure» condition

References

1. Zhigastova О.К., Pochukayev V.N. Elektronnyi zhurnal «Trudy MAI», 2011, no 49, available at: http:// www.mai.ru/science/trudy/eng/published.php?ID =28296 (accessed 27.12.2011).
   
2. Zhigastova О.К., Pochukayev V.N. Elektronnyi zhurnal «Trudy MAI», 2011, no 49, available at: http:// www.mai.ru/science/trudy/eng/published.php?ID =28206 (accessed 27.12.2011).
   
3. Zhigastova О.К., Pochukayev V.N. Vestnik Moskovskogo aviatsionnogo instituta, 2012, vol. 19, no. 3, pp. 97-103.
   
4. Zhigastova О.К., Pochukayev V.N. Vestnik Moskovskogo aviatsionnogo instituta, 2013, vol. 20, no. 4, pp. 63-71.
   
5. Zhigastova О.К., Pochukayev V.N. Kosmonavtika i raketostroenie zhurnal, 2010, vol. 58, no. 1, pp. 107-110.