A Compatible STS/PAM D/RCA SATCOM Telemetry and Command System

Abstract

This paper presents a solution to the problem of providing the electrical interface with the NASA Shuttle and PAM D for an RCA Satcom Communications Satellite. The paper addresses the transition to the NASA Shuttle from the present era of expendable launch vehicles as it applies to the command and telemetry electrical interfaces. Final preparation of the spacecraft for launch into the transfer orbit rests with the Orbiter crew rather than the spacecraft contractor launch team. The added dimension of crew safety and the importance of simplifying the preparation task led the requirement for Electrical Airborne Support Equipment (EASE). The conceptual design of this microcomputer-based equipment is described. The EASE monitors the health of the spacecraft and takes adaptive action where appropriate. It also sends prestored command lists to the spacecraft in response to crew-initiated keyboard command functions.