Real-time sensor validation for autonomous flight control

Abstract

Real-time validation of rocket engine sensor data improves mission safety and reduces flight operations and ground test costs. NASA Lewis Research Center, in partnership with Expert Microsystems, Inc., and Intelligent Software Associates, Inc., has developed an innovative sensor validation system enabling real-time, automated sensor failure detection for all types of mission critical systems. Testing performed by Boeing Space and Defense Group in partnership with NASA Marshall Space Flight Center has verified that these sensor validation algorithms enable highly reliable realtime data validation for critical Space Shuttle Main Engine performance sensors, including the turbine discharge temperatures on both turbopumps. A prototype sensor validation software module, designed to validate 22 SSME flight sensors, was demonstrated by real-time embedded system testing in a Boeing fault tolerant flight computer within the NASA Marshall Avionics System Testbed. The excellent results obtained in this testing demonstrate the real-time performance and high reliability of the sensor data validation software module.