Space Systems Avionics Design and Applications

DURATION: THREE DAYS
COURSE NO.: 2080

This course offers a detailed look at basic satellite and launch vehicle avionics design and engineering requirements. Design practices for satellites and launch vehicles are addressed, and a discussion of the differences and similarities of the two systems is included. The problem of developing a realistic approach to satisfying system level requirements for preliminary designs and proposals is a key part of the course. Another important topic is the early identification of risk areas and how to mitigate risks through realistic trade studies. A discussion of currently available hardware and software is included. Attendees will be exposed to avionics subsystem designs that are utilized on satellite buses and on launch vehicles. You will understand the terms, nomenclature, and rules of thumb used in the development process. Each avionics subsystem is explained in detail to gain insight into manpower and cost requirements. In addition to vehicle avionics equipment, the design, fabrication, and qualification of the electrical ground support equipment required for both launch vehicles and satellites are discussed in detail.

COURSE MATERIALS:
Include extensive notes and reference materials.

Satellite and launch vehicle designers and systems engineers. Integration and test managers. Space industry program managers. Avionics engineers. Anyone interested in learning more about avionics design and testing.

Basic avionics requirements differences between satellites and launch vehicles. Fundamental build or buy trade-offs of components and software. Basic power budget calculations for satellites and launchers. Impact of the power budget on power distribution and battery selection. Basic RF link margin calculations for satellites and launch vehicles. Design considerations for each subsystem. Integration and test, system level testing, and launch site testing philosophies. Launch site and range safety requirements, and their impact on avionics system design.

1. Introduction and System Requirements.
   

   Basic definitions. Avionics system level requirements - imposed and derived. LV mission timeline. Satellite mission timeline.

2. System Bus Architecture.
   

   System level bus architecture and structure defining high level subsystem components.

3. Subsystem Architecture.
   

   LV Guidance Navigation and Control - Computer types and sizing. Communication bus types and architecture. System architecture. Satellite Attitude Determination and Control System - Computer types and sizing. Communication bus types and architecture. System architecture. Radio Frequency (RF). LV-Transmit link margin and budget. Satellite-Transmit and receive link margin budget. Telemetry. LV-Sensor architecture, type, location, and quantity. Sensor encoding, flight computer vs. standalone encoder. Format structure and data rate. The differences between satellite formats. Satellite-Sensor architecture, type, location and quantity. Sensor encoding, flight computer vs. standalone encoder, format structure and data rate. The differences between LV formats. Electrical Power and Distribution. LV-Architecture, power budget/margin, and battery sizing. Ordnance requirements, architecture, and battery sizing. Satellite-Architecture, power budget/margin, battery and solar array sizing, and power shunting methods. Ordnance requirements, architecture, and battery sizing. Flight Termination System. LV-Requirements, architecture, mission timeline, battery sizing, and power budget/margin

4. Electrical Ground Support Equipment.
   

   LV - System architecture, minimize for I and T, launch site testing, and launch control. Satellite-System architecture, minimize for I and T, launch site testing, and launch support and operations.

5. Build vs. Buy Consideration.
   

   Learn how to develop the trade studies required to support the decision, taking into consideration in-house capability, experience, heritage, and manpower.

6. Testing.
   

   Board/box level, environmental, I and T, system level (EMC, thermal, acoustic, vibration), launch site testing. Testing philosophy of: 1) vibration and thermal at box or system level 2) chassis level environmental pre-post chassis close-out, and 3) integration testing pre-post chassis close-out.

7. Schedule.
   

   Subsystem level, board/box level design, fabrication, test, I and T, system level testing. Integrated schedule to understand and maintain flow.

8. Costing.
   

   Board, box, testing, environmental, I and T, system level (shift work), launch support, and operation.