DC-XA engine plume diagnostics: data collection utilizing a COTS PC

Marshall Space Flight Center's Optical Plume Anomaly Detection (OPAD) systems have been developed for the purpose of monitoring rocket engine health by identifying and quantifying trace elements in exhaust plumes. The opportunity to put an OPAD instrument aboard the DC-XA test vehicle afforded a valuable first chance to test the technology in an environment for which it is ultimately intended. Methods used to accomplish this are discussed herein, with a focus on the miniaturized personal computer used for data collection. Also, a brief examination is made of test results.