Real-time command, data and control concepts for the instrument on the Space Interferometry Mission

The Space Interferometry Mission (SIM), slated to launch in 2008, will require simultaneous operation of tens of control loops running at kiloHertz rates. The task of designing a computer control system to run this complex, distributed system will require careful requirements analysis and design flow. Though the project is in early phases, the process to flow the flight system command, data, and control system requirements to the instrument real-time control design is well along. In this paper we give a glimpse into the process and resulting design.