Dynamic testing of on-board embedded computer software of missile and spacecraft control system

1Aizenberg, Ya.E, 1Bek, AV, 1Zlatkin, Yu.M, 1Kamenev, VP, 1Konorev, BM, 2Shcherbachenko, VT
1Public Joint Stock Company «HARTRON», Kharkiv, Ukraine
2Public Joint Stock Company «HARTRON», Kharkiv
Kosm. nauka tehnol. 1997, 3 ;(1):61–74
https://doi.org/10.15407/knit1997.01.061
Publication Language: Russian
Abstract: 
For a wide range of missiles and spacecraft the on-board embedded computer (ВЕС) software as an element of a guidance and control system (G&CS) determines to a considerable degree the logic, dynamics and accuracy of functioning of the object under control, being an implementation of control algorithms. Real time interaction of ВЕС software with real equipment directly within the control loop of complex irriversible process in main performance modes predetermines ultimately hard requirements as to the quality of its testing and enormous labour consumption. As a result there is a crucial dependence of the quality, development time, and cost of the control system as a whole on ВЕС software. Using the adequate ВЕС programming technology is the principal way of solving this problem. Goals and significance of dynamic testing in the form of "electronic launches" are determined on a qualitative level within the context of general technology of creating G&CS.
Methodology of dynamic ВЕС software testing which is considered to be the most important part of application theory of programming ВЕС for missile and spacecraft G&CS, which belong to the hard real-time systems, is described informally. Block diagrams of ВЕС software testing are discussed in terms of data flow model, and principal concepts of their CASE tool support realization, i. e., concepts of coupled target loops, data synchronization and adaptive process control have been stated. Materials of the article present a generalization of Hartron experience starting from the 60s in the field of creating software for G&CS ВЕС in the main areas of missile and spacecraft industry: heavy rocket carrier "Energia", a family of functional modules "Kvant", "Krystall", "Spektr", "Pryroda", orbital manned stations, a family of intercontinental ballistic missiles with separating heads including missiles of SS-18, SS-19 types, transportation vehicles and power-supply functional and transport module in the American-Russian project of the international space station "Alfa", etc. Correctness and practical efficiency of the concepts have been confirmed by the results of ВЕС software testing in support of above 300 launches of missile and space vehicles of various types. The article is aimed at experts engaged in investigations, technologies, and practical management in the programming of ВЕС for hard real-time systems.
Keywords: spacecraft control system
References: 
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