Launch Processing System

This paper presents a functional description of the Launch Processing System, which provides automatic ground checkout and control of the Space Shuttle launch site and airborne systems, with emphasis placed on the Checkout, Control, and Monitor Subsystem. Hardware and software modular design concepts for the distributed computer system are reviewed relative to performing system tests, launch operations control, and status monitoring during ground operations. The communication network design, which uses a Common Data Buffer interface to all computers to allow computer-to-computer communication, is discussed in detail. Introduction The Space Shuttle program is revolutionary in that, for the first time, space flight hardware will be reusable. Additionally, Shuttle ground operations will be streamlined to facilitate ground turnaround and in-orbit support with minimum crews. Specifically, the following program guidelines prove to be the most demanding factors in the design of Ground Support Equipment for Space Shuttle checkout [ I]: I) launch rate of 40 per year with a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) fleet size of three vehicles and 2) a demanding schedule of 160 hours for processing time from landing to launch with a minimum of manpower for vehicle checkout. NASA, at the John F. Kennedy Space Center in Flor-ida, is designing and acquiring a Launch Processing System [ 21, an important part of the Ground Support Equipment (GSE), to support launch site operations more efficiently than on previous programs. The Launch Processing System (LPS) will provide automatic control of GSE and Shuttle systems for test and operations, real-time data analysis and information display, and efficient recall of test data and engineering files to support Shuttle ground operations. Modern automation techniques , off-the-shelf components, and modular design are being used to achieve these goals. Significant technical challenges with today's state-of-the-art technology must be met. The LPS will be implemented in the next few years for operation in the 1980s. IBM has been under contract to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration since May 1974 (contract completion in March 1979) and is responsible for