Confluence of navigation, communication, and control in distributedspacecraft systems

This research details the development of technologies and methodologies that enable distributed spacecraft systems by supporting integrated navigation, communication, and control. Operating at the confluence of these critical functions produces capabilities needed to realize the promise of distributed spacecraft systems, including improved performance and robustness relative to monolithic space systems. Navigation supports science data association and data alignment for distributed aperture sensing, multipoint observation, and co-observation of target regions. Communication enables autonomous distributed science data processing and information exchange among space assets. Both navigation and communication provide essential input to control methods for coordinating distributed autonomous assets at the interspacecraft system level and the intraspacecraft affector subsystem level. A technology solution to implement these capabilities, the Crosslink Transceiver, is also described. The Crosslink Transceiver provides navigation and communication capability that can be integrated into a developing autonomous command and control methodology for distributed spacecraft systems. A small satellite implementation of the Crosslink Transceiver design is detailed and its ability to support broad distributed spacecraft mission classes is described     

Low cost satellite ground control facility design

A design approach common to the areas of satellite operations command and control, tracking, subsystem analysis, system planning and scheduling, orbit determination and maintenance, and data routing and control is discussed. Specific satellite mission applications and operations are isolated from the remainder of the design to allow application to a broad variety of satellite systems. Discussions of specific satellite missions are limited to the context of understanding the general magnitude and scope of what a ground control facility is required to support. By isolating the common satellite operational functions, a low cost generic approach that allows for phased implementation of system changes with minimal impact to on-orbit assets and mission performance is developed. The goals of this approach are to provide the capability for growth, maintainability, and operability of the satellite system. A brief discussion of satellite systems followed by the introduction of the general function of any satellite control facility sets the stage for the overall design approach. The factors that define the design along with the key design features are presented, with a discussion of each product available in each functional area     

Avionics cost of ownership

The cost of ownership of avionics includes not only the development and acquisition cost, but also the yearly operating and support (O and S) (maintenance) cost of hardware, software, and support equipment. This paper presents an avionics cost of ownership methodology developed for USAF, its data sources, and business metrics computed for USAF decision makers as we move toward operating avionics as a business. The business model is used to determine which existing avionics are candidates for replacement with new technology and to prioritize the replacements. These avionics are often used on multiple aircraft types which necessitates analysis of the causes of the high cost of ownership on each type. Databases are used to document the processing functions, data flow, and constraints of the item being analyzed. These constraints include physical, environmental, electrical, and data interfaces. Databases containing alternatives are evaluated against standard mission scenarios for aircraft utilizing these high cost avionics to determine their impact on performance, O and S costs, and mission effectiveness. The results of the foregoing analyses steps are then used in life cycle cost analyses which consider different retrofit scenarios for each alternative for each aircraft type against the avionics being analyzed for replacement. The alternatives are prioritized and a risk analysis performed considering technical, schedule, and cost growth risks. The avionics cost of ownership methodology described in this paper processes data from USAF maintenance organizations. This has revealed the very large expenditures being made to support highly unreliable avionics. These methods can be applied to all military and commercial aircraft systems to determine not only the cost of ownership of existing systems, but also the cost of ownership of new systems when they are retrofit     

空间目标探测与识别雷达工作频段与体制选择探讨

根据空间目标探测与识别雷达的任务要求,通过对雷达搜索、扫描、探测、多目标处理能力、分辨率的技术分析与经济性比较,给出了空间目标探测与识别雷达工作频段与体制选择的参考性结论。     

飞机综合航电系统总体设计综合评估方法

 航空电子系统的费用 效能是飞机总体系统效能的重要组成部分,也是降低飞机寿命周期费用的关键之一。在航空电子系统的总体设计阶段,传统的系统评估和优化方法主要针对的是独立子系统/设备的费用或效能指标。综合航电系统设计方案的费用 效能重要指标包括：可支付性、构型能力、任务能力、可靠性、维修性、测试性和技术风险,以组合的方式获得了相应的综合评估准则,给出了计算公式。以某新研航电系统作为实例演示了综合评估方法的实施情况,演示的重点集中于总体设计方案的可视化量化评估分析。该综合评估方法已显示出其在实际工程设计中的可行性和应用价值。     

Embedded information system re-engineering

Currently fielded embedded information systems face readiness challenges imposed by evolving missions and extended service lifespans. The ability to overcome these challenges is constrained by such factors as shrinking budgets, limited computational capacity and diminished manufacturing sources effects that impact both hardware and software options. Wholesale redevelopment is often cost prohibitive, particularly since large portions of embedded applications continue to fulfil mission requirements. Solutions must preserve prior investments while providing efficient pathways for continued technology refresh. A technology solution for affordable modernization of legacy system software is being development. The Embedded Information System Re-engineering (EISR) project is developing an automation-assisted JOVIAL-to-C re-engineering capability that permits simultaneous modernization of both the structure and source language of legacy embedded applications. Engineers will be able to apply the proven labor-saving visualization and analysis features of modern CASE tools to legacy JOVIAL applications. EISR will thus allow the DoD to recapture previous investments in proven legacy algorithms and mission capabilities while permitting the full exploitation of COTS economies of scale. This paper describes in brief the goals and objectives of the EISR project, and provides the current status of the EISR capability.     

Radioisotope AMTEC power system designs for spacecraft applications

The authors describe and compare small (two-module) and larger (16-module) AMTEC (alkali metal thermal-to-electric converter) radioisotope powered systems and describe the computer model developed to predict their performance. The high efficiency and static conversion process combined with minimized parasitic losses and operating temperatures that allow the use of current materials while still maintaining a competitive radiator area are found to make AMTEC an excellent candidate for enhanced performance space power systems. AMTEC has the capability of reducing mission costs relative to other static conversion systems because of its high efficiency. AMTEC can also reduce cost relative to dynamic systems simply by being less massive (10 to 5000 W level), and its use eliminates the torque and vibration issues of dynamic systems     

Exploration of the Habitability of Mars: Development of Analytical Protocols for Measurement of Organic Carbon on the 2009 Mars Science Laboratory

The mission goal of the 2009 Mars Science Laboratory is to assess the habitability of a region on Mars. This large rover incorporates an Analytical Laboratory that contributes to this mission objective by means of a detailed characterization of mineralogy and chemistry. The Sample Analysis at Mars instrument suite in the Analytical Laboratory provides the capability to analyze volatiles released from rocks and soils and gases directly sample from the atmosphere. A primary focus of this suite is the detection and identification of organic molecules. The protocols for the extraction and analysis of organics under development for this mission are described as are experiments carried out on Mars analog samples to evaluate these methods.     

Communication system architecture for planetary exploration

Future human missions to Mars will require effective communications supporting exploration activities and scientific field data collection. Constraints on cost, size, weight, and power consumption for all communications equipment make optimization of these systems very important. These information and communication systems connect people and systems together into coherent teams performing the difficult and hazardous tasks inherent in planetary exploration. The communication network supporting vehicle telemetry data, mission operations, and scientific collaboration must have excellent reliability and flexibility. We propose hybrid communication architectures consisting of space-based links, a surface-based deployable mid-range communications network and a cluster of short-range links to solve the problems of connectivity and bandwidth, while meeting the other constraints of weight and power. A network of orbiting satellites could cover much of the planet surface, but this space-based capability may not be optimal for cost or performance. Specifically, a minimal space-based capability can be augmented using mobile cellular repeaters deployable by robots and human EVA. This method results in an increase in the number of radio nodes, but the distances separating them is decreased. This results in a significant increase in bandwidth and decrease in radio power, and therefore, node size, complexity, and power consumption. This paper will discuss the results of field testing such hybrid radio systems for the support of scientific surveys. System analysis of design tradeoffs will yield insight into optimal solutions that will be compared to other approaches providing a method of effectively evaluating new candidate architectures     

Application of GPS to space vehicles: analysis of space environmentand errors

GPS based systems become extremely competitive for space applications because of their all-weather capabilities and continual information on position, velocity, precise time and even attitude to increase mission effectiveness, reduce mission cost, minimize requirements of on-board devices. In this paper, space application environment and error sources have been systematically analyzed, including geometric location of user with GPS satellites, dynamic state, physical environment and the effects on positioning accuracy. Several special differential GPS technologies to space use are proposed     

夸贾林导弹靶场的现代化改造

为减少操作和维护 (O&M)费用 ,增强靶场设备能力 ,夸贾林导弹靶场于 1997年夏开始对目标特性雷达、遥测和光学设备以及靶场指控中心进行升级改造 ,2 0 0 3年 2月改造取得圆满成功。本文主要介绍此次改造的相关内容及特点     

A novel approach of testability modeling and analysis for PHM systems based on failure evolution mechanism

Prognostics and health management (PHM) significantly improves system availability and reliability, and reduces the cost of system operations. Design for testability (DFT) developed concurrently with system design is an important way to improve PHM capability. Testability modeling and analysis are the foundation of DFT. This paper proposes a novel approach of testability modeling and analysis based on failure evolution mechanisms. At the component level, the fault progression-related information of each unit under test (UUT) in a system is obtained by means of failure modes, evolution mechanisms, effects and criticality analysis (FMEMECA), and then the failure-symptom dependency can be generated. At the system level, the dynamic attributes of UUTs are assigned by using the bond graph methodology, and then the symptom-test dependency can be obtained by means of the functional flow method. Based on the failure-symptom and symptom-test dependencies, testability analysis for PHM systems can be realized. A shunt motor is used to verify the application of the approach proposed in this paper. Experimental results show that this approach is able to be applied to testability modeling and analysis for PHM systems very well, and the analysis results can provide a guide for engineers to design for testability in order to improve PHM performance.     

基于MBSE的副翼及其操纵系统研发技术及应用

飞机的设计研发是一项涉及多学科领域、多目标、多约束的复杂系统工程过程,系统耦合紧密、参与人员众多、设计信息庞杂,以文档为中心的需求管理等传统研发方法突显出一定的困难,亟需探索新的飞机设计研发方法。以副翼及其操纵系统为研究对象,对基于模型的系统工程(Model Based System Engineering,以下简称MBSE)方法进行了探索研究:采用达索MBSE方法论-MMS(Modeling Methodology for Systems,以下简称MMS),从使命、服务、功能和组件不同视角对副翼及其操纵系统研发的各个方面进行解析,进而完整定义系统;利用达索3D Experience平台,通过RFLP系统工程架构,进行了副翼及其操纵系统的需求开发、功能分析及逻辑架构设计,完成了需求、功能、逻辑架构、系统仿真、物理设计等模型的关联追溯,实现了以达索MBSE方法论为核心的研发技术的有效应用。     

面向指标论证的战斗机突防效能评估

随着现代战争的体系化,战斗机性能的设计与优化开始结合具体作战任务,从作战效能的角度来分析.尤其是在概念设计阶段,基于作战仿真论证战斗机指标对整个设计过程和全寿命成本都有重要作用。本文提出了应用构造型仿真进行战技指标论证工作的方法论,并以AnyLogic软件为平台搭建了战斗机突防任务仿真框架,构建了突防战斗机与防空系统的Agent(智能体)行为模型,并对试验结果进行了敏度分析。最后,提出了后续进一步研究的方向。     

STEP: a tool for estimating avionics life cycle costs

An overview is presented of how the US Air Force has had significant success in the estimation of life cycle costs (LCC) for avionics hardware and software using the Standardization Evaluation Program (STEP) model for estimating operating and support (O&S) costs. The capabilities of the existing STEP model as well as ongoing enhancements to provide a total LCC estimating methodology are described. In addition to the standard cost reports, STEP has the capability to assess the impact of reliability on life cycle cost. Another unique feature of the STEP model is the capability to assess the impact of retest OK (RTOK) on life cycle costs. The acquisition enhancement is being accomplished in three parts each of which will produce a distinct, usable product. The three products are an automated database, an analogy estimating capability, and a parametric estimating technique. Each is briefly discussed     

Robotic Air Vehicle: A Pilot's Perspective

This paper focuses on concepts and technologies required to develop a robotic air vehicle (RAV). A vehicle of this type has the capability to be a launch and forget weapon system. The authors are engineers and pilots so they view both the technical approach and piloting issues with equal importance. RAV must have the machine intelligence to make decisions within the mission and battlefield constraints. This requires a piloting expert system and route planner to perform passive terrain following, terrain avoidance, obstacle avoidance, and autonomous navigation based on low cost sensor inputs such as a multifunction FLIR, digital terrain map, and directional reference systems. RAV is a cost effective way to fight in a threat environment where aircrew loss rates would be unacceptable. RAV provides the Air Force a means to expand its combat capabilities.     

E-CATS: First time demonstration of embedded training in a combat aircraft

Air Forces are facing difficulties in training pilots effectively for their missions. Due to a reduction of defense budgets, fewer resources can be made available for training. In addition, airspace available for training is limited, especially in Europe, and this is aggravated by the increase in the range of advanced weapon systems. Moreover, only few Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) sites are available for suitable training.Embedded Training (ET) is considered to be a potential solution for these problems. ET for fighter aircraft is a capability installed in an operational fighter to train the pilot while operating the aircraft in a situation it was designed for, but which is not available in everyday life. Thereto, the ET capability generates simulated threats and feeds them into the various avionics systems of the aircraft. This allows pilots to train against a virtual force, or a virtually augmented real force. Benefits of employing ET include cost reduction (fewer real aircraft are needed to act as enemy), use of smaller training airspace (simulated threats may move outside this space), and the potential to train anywhere, at any time.NLR, Dutch Space, and the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) have jointly developed an ET system to demonstrate the feasibility of current technology for implementing an ET capability in fighter aircraft. The system, installed in an RNLAF F-16B, supports training for ground-to-air and (one-versus-two) air-to-air engagements. It consists of two units; one unit executes the ET simulations and provides most of the required interfaces with aircraft systems, while the other unit is dedicated to interfacing with the radar processing chain.The system was evaluated by demonstrating it to a group of pilots and engineers and collecting their expert opinions. It was concluded that embedded training has considerable value for a variety of training objectives related to Beyond Visual Range tactics, and it is expected that embedded training will play an important role in the future mission training of fighter-aircraft pilots.     

Systematic methods for knowledge acquisition and expert systemdevelopment [for combat aircraft]

Nine cooperating rule-based systems, collectively called AUTOCREW which were designed to automate functions and decisions associated with a combat aircraft's subsystems, are discussed. The organization of tasks within each system is described; performance metrics were developed to evaluate the workload of each rule base and to assess the cooperation between the rule bases. Simulation and comparative workload results for two mission scenarios are given. The scenarios are inbound surface-to-air-missile attack on the aircraft and pilot incapacitation. The methodology used to develop the AUTOCREW knowledge bases is summarized. Issues involved in designing the navigation sensor selection expert in AUTOCREW's NAVIGATOR knowledge base are discussed in detail. The performance of seven navigation systems aiding a medium-accuracy inertial navigation system (INS) was investigated using Kalman filter covariance analyses. A navigation sensor management (NSM) expert system was formulated from covariance simulation data using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) method and the ID3 algorithm     

Advanced Aircraft Electric System

The topics, advanced aircraft electric system and all-electric airplane, inspire a broad range of concepts from the evolutionary to the revolutionary. The revolutionary developments are exciting to the research and development community but find little encouragement or acceptance from airframe developers whose objective is to build an advanced technology airplane using only-off-the-shelf, proven equipment. Their anthem rings "We know how bad the ___________ is, but we have learned to live with it. We have only your vision of how good an advanced system will be and fear to chance it. "However, the cost of living with these known systems combined with the escalating cost of fuel and the military need to address advanced mission capability demands more than a patch called improved reliability and maintainability. The time is at hand to demonstrate an evolutionary approach to achieve a revolutionary improvement. This paper describes an advanced electric system, the life cycle cost improvement anticipated, and the evolutionary means to implementation.