Integration of controllable scientific equipment into the Russian Segment of the International Space Station

Abstract

The paper discusses the process of integrating scientific equipment into the Russian Segment of the International Space Station (ISS RS) to conduct space experiment using the ISS IS information and control system. The paper addresses the stages in ground processing of scientific equipment that are critical for its successful operation after delivery to the ISS RS: tests on the hardware (vibration and hydraulic tests, electromagnetic compatibility tests, incoming inspection), development of the software for the equipment using ground debugging facility and conducting integrated tests in the checkout facility. It points out the need to update the existing stages of ground preparations for experiments to reduce the hardware ground processing time. Taking as examples the space experiment Terminator and experiments conducted using cargo transportation spacecraft Progress, the paper resents results obtained through the use of the described approach. Key words: information and control system, scientific equipment, space experiment, International Space Station, logistics spacecraft Progress, microgravity.