A Flexible Telemetry Processor for Spacecraft Testing

Abstract

In the past, telemetry data systems in support of JPL flight projects -- such as Voyager and Galileo -- were designed specifically for each mission. Third-generation computers and minicomputers were combined into a distributed system, and many man-hours of software development were invested to meet each project's unique processing requirements. These systems were used to support the Spacecraft testing on the ground and -- later -- for mission operations after launch. The Magellan System Test Data Processing Subsystem (STDPS) marks a departure from these past designs. For the first time, a re-usable telemetry-processing subsystem has been designed that is flexible enough to meet the spacecraft-testing requirements of the present project -- and can be easily changed for future projects as well. These changes are all accomplished through a user-friendly, menu-oriented interface. Extensive software re-programming is no longer required. The Magellan spacecraft is being constructed for JPL by Martin Marietta Astronautics Group, Denver, Colorado. The STDPS is currently in Denver, supporting the spacecraft testing.