Dynamic testing of attitude determination and control systems, reaction wheel and torque rods using automotive robotic techniques
AssigneeRaytheon Company
InventorRigel Quinn Woida-O'Brien
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A fully automated method for testing functionality of a spacecraft or aircraft unit under testing (UUT) includes selecting a test station at which to conduct a first functionality test on the UUT. The method also includes coupling a program specific module (PSM) to the UUT. Each PSM is configured to couple to a specific type of UUT to provide power and telemetry to the specific type of UUT. The method further includes a robot arm moving the UUT to the selected test station. The method still further includes conducting the first functionality test on the UUT at the selected test station.
Claims20
A method for testing functionality of a unit under testing (UUT), the method comprising:
- selecting the UUT from a plurality of types of spacecraft;
- selecting a test station at which to conduct a first functionality test on the UUT;
- determining that an agnostic test tool (ATT) is needed at the selected test station;
- coupling a program specific module (PSM) to the ATT using a first interface of the ATT;
- coupling the ATT to the UUT using a second interface of the ATT, the PSM configured to couple to a specific type of UUT and to provide power and telemetry to the specific type of UUT;
- moving, by a robot arm, the UUT and the PSM to the selected test station;
- and
- conducting the first functionality test on the UUT at the selected test station.
A system for testing functionality of a unit under testing (UUT), the system comprising:
- a program specific module (PSM) configured to couple to the UUT, the PSM configured to couple to a specific type of UUT and to provide power and telemetry to the specific type of UUT;
- a robot arm configured to move the UUT and the PSM to a test station;
- and
- a controller configured to:
- select the UUT from a plurality of types of spacecraft;
- select a first test station at which to conduct a first functionality test on the UUT;
- determine that an agnostic test tool (ATT) is needed at the selected first test station;
- control the robot arm to couple the PSM to the ATT using a first interface of the ATT;
- control the robot arm to couple the ATT to the UUT using a second interface of the ATT;
- and
- control the system to conduct the first functionality test on the UUT at the selected first test station.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.