VERIFICATION AND VALIDATION OF CONTROL CENTER OPERATIONS USING A TELEMETRY SIMULATION

Abstract

In space applications, telemetry systems are traditionally used to provide a front end for processing Control Center data. Control Center operations dictate the content and processing requirements of the telemetry data to enable the control center personnel to make proper decisions concerning the operation of their space vehicle. Unfortunately many anomalous operational scenarios do not arise during control center checkout procedures which are designed to test the functionality of the Control Center equipment. However, an interactive telemetry simulation, which involves producing telemetry data using real-world formats and data rates, can create many of the situations control center personnel may encounter. A host computer is used to drive a telemetry system which in turn produces simulated vehicle data. As a result, a telemetry simulation can not only verify the functionality of the Control Center hardware and software, but also validate Control Center procedures and train Control Center personnel in the process.