Computer-Controlled Aerospace Ground Equipment for the AOSO Communications and Data-Handling Subsystem

Texas Instruments is presently engaged in design and development of the communication and data-handling subsystem (CDHS) and the associated aerospace ground equipment (AGE) for the Advanced Orbiting Solar Observatory (AOSO). This paper describes the AGE which will be used to test, monitor, exercise, and troubleshoot the CDHS. The observatory-class satellites are very complex and have sophisticated communications and data-handling equipment. The increase in complexity of satellite equipment has resulted in increased demands on the test capability of the checkout equipment. A computer-controlled checkout system has been selected as a result of an analysis of the satellite test requirements. By utilizing a general-purpose computer which controls special equipment designed for the AOSO, the requirement for a rapid, versatile checkout system has been met. This system is described in the following paragraphs.