Summary
DMC has spent the last several years building a test system for the Space Launch System’s (SLS) Booster Obsolescence Life Extension (BOLE) program. SLS is NASA’s next-generation spacecraft enabling humanity’s journey to the Moon and Mars. SLS vehicles will rise from the launchpad, powered by thrust from dual boosters supplied by BOLE. Northrop Grumman (NG), a large defense contractor working with NASA, selected DMC to create automated electrical production test equipment to ensure each booster is qualified for its respective Artemis mission on SLS. This automated test system contains multiple subsystems to test avionics communication and power, perform fault injection, take and verify measurements, and analyze test results. The custom software application allows configuration of real-time test sequences and configurable displays to show live data during a test, enabling NG to perform efficient testing and diagnostics on the booster.
Solution
The system consists of several major parts, the first being a singular server rack containing the measurement equipment, power supplies, and other control hardware. This rack is controlled by the aptly named Control Station, which houses a computer running the software, as well as monitors and other operator interface accessories. Additionally, the Control Station communicates with our custom, dual-electronically simulated ordnances (DESOs) and automated breakout boxes (Auto BOBs) distributed throughout the avionics rigging in the test lab. Together, these system components make up a complete turnkey system for testing the booster avionics during development and qualification.
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