Innovative solutions from Privodnaya Tekhnika

Abstract

A method is proposed for stabilizing the operation of a measurement system while adapting it to the on-board measurement conditions. Key words: space vehicle, independent functioning, virtual measuring instruments, adaption of on-board measurement systems. An analysis of promising technologies for managing space vehicles (SV) has shown that considerable value attaches to increasing the independent working time. For example, an increase to 30 days leads one to expect a reduction in the number of telemetry sessions by factors of 5-15, which in turn reduces the costs of providing SV functioning [1]. However, it is then necessary to transfer some of the functions from the ground control system to the SV, particularly monitoring the state and checking the correctness of the on-board equipment functioning. Such tasks are currently handled by means of a branched measuring system, which includes on-board telemetry systems, a network of ground telemetry systems, data-transmission systems, a telemetry information processing center, and groups for the analysis of SV control points. A key element is provided by the experts in the analysis groups, who monitor the state of the space vehicle by planning telemetry programs and analyzing the results. However, for an independent SV, that element is partially ruled out from the control loop, and the main emphasis is placed on the on-board monitoring systems (OBMS). It is proposed that the analysis groups in the main will act when a nonstandard situation is encountered on the SV. In future, OBMS should possess a high level of artificial intelligence, to guarantee the monitoring of SV state with the required performance. Existing systems do not meet that requirement, so it is important to develop OBMS capable of partially replacing the intelligence of the analyst. The main attention should be given to methods implemented by the software in the on-board computer. The monitoring includes accumulating and surveying a priori information on the object, with the derivation of measurement information, which is the most dynamic factor, followed by analysis and decision [2]. Therefore, transferring the monitoring task on the SV imposes tightened specifications for obtaining measurement information. Low-grade measurements lead to incorrect conclusions on the state, which in turn leads in the simplest case to additional access to the ground control and reduction in the independent working time, or in more complicated situations to complete loss of the object. The measurement data are obtained with the on-board measurement system OBMS. A feature of SV is the constant variability of the working conditions, which is reflected for the OBMS in changes in the setting under which the monitored parameters are measured. For example, there may be changes in temperature, pressure, or humidity within the SV, which produce additional errors of measurement, and in addition there is inevitable natural ageing (wear), which involves changes in characteristics of the entire system or failure in some elements, w...