A Virtual Space System supporting Ground Validation Nuno Sebastião (OPS-GIC), Mauro Pecchioli (OPS-GIC)

Outline of this Presentation The way we got here The need for a Ground Systems Validation Infrastructure Ground Systems Verification and Validation Concepts Use cases Current Status Operational Usage Integration with Operational Simulator Development Demo Schedule Summary OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide

The way we got here

The need for a Ground Systems Validation Infrastructure

Ground Systems Verification and Validation

Concepts

Use cases

Current Status

Operational Usage

Integration with Operational Simulator Development

Demo

Schedule

Summary

The way we got here OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide

The way we got here

Motivation Current Situation Testing of ground systems relies on multiple tools Many tools are specific for the system under test. Tools are often targeted at a specific validation phase or test scenario Each tool has its specific user interface and configuration data The same functionality is implemented by different tools in different ways The operational simulator is used for ground systems integration testing Implications Testers must familiarise with different testing approaches and interfaces Configuration and test data must be developed and maintained multiple times Re-use of tests and data in different phases and for different systems is difficult Operational simulator is not mature enough at the time when it is required for systems testing OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide As many tests require generic TM/TC simulation capabilities, improvement is possible

Current Situation

Testing of ground systems relies on multiple tools

Many tools are specific for the system under test.

Tools are often targeted at a specific validation phase or test scenario

Each tool has its specific user interface and configuration data

The same functionality is implemented by different tools in different ways

The operational simulator is used for ground systems integration testing

Implications

Testers must familiarise with different testing approaches and interfaces

Configuration and test data must be developed and maintained multiple times

Re-use of tests and data in different phases and for different systems is difficult

Operational simulator is not mature enough at the time when it is required for systems testing

The Process Identify use cases, building upon the concepts introduced with PSS MkIII Define test configurations that can support these use cases Derive the requirements on a generic simulator and its components to support these test scenarios (GSTVi system) OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide

Identify use cases, building upon the concepts introduced with PSS MkIII

Define test configurations that can support these use cases

Derive the requirements on a generic simulator and its components to support these test scenarios (GSTVi system)

GSTVi Objectives One tool supporting the full cycle of ground systems technical validation Isolated System Technical Validation End to end Test Environment Reduce effort to set-up test campaigns Enable ‘delayed’ development of operational simulators Augmented systems quality Automated Verification of Systems Under Test using Automated Regression Testing (ART) Framework OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide

One tool supporting the full cycle of ground systems technical validation

Isolated System Technical Validation

End to end Test Environment

Reduce effort to set-up test campaigns

Enable ‘delayed’ development of operational simulators

Augmented systems quality

Automated Verification of Systems Under Test using Automated Regression Testing (ART) Framework

GSTVi Definition Process OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide

Use Case Analysis 14 Use Cases were selected to drive specification and design of GSTVi Use Case Specification: Objective Systems and components under test Functionality to be tested External systems involved Interfaces to be supported Assemblies of GSTVi Components that can support these Use cases were defined OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide GSTVi Ground Station Components Station M&C IFMS TCDS TMTCS Example – Ground Station Stand-alone Test TM TC

14 Use Cases were selected to drive specification and design of GSTVi

Use Case Specification:

Objective

Systems and components under test

Functionality to be tested

External systems involved

Interfaces to be supported

Assemblies of GSTVi Components that can support these Use cases were defined

Use Case / Assembly Coverage OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide MCS Component Test NIS Component Test TMTCS Component Test IFMS/TCDS Component Test Mission Simulator Component Test EGSE Component Test NIS Connectivity Test TM/TC End-to-End Test Simulation Campaign Long Loop Mission Readiness Test (MRT) Ground Station Stand-alone Test Pre-pass Data Flow Test MCS Isolated Testing NIS Isolated Testing TMTCS Isolated Testing Ground Station Stand-alone Testing Simulator Stand-alone Testing NIS Connectivity Testing Portable Satellite Simulator (PSS) Long Loop Operational Simulation ASSEMBLIES USE CASE Operational Simulation Support of SVT´s NDIU Lite Test Assembly

Development Approach SIMSAT 4 based (Linux SLES 9 64 bits) Developed using the SMP2 Standard Extends SIMSAT 4 MMI with GSTVi specific Views Many GSTVi components have been derived from existing software and only a few are new developments GSTVi R1 use existing, proven ground models OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide

SIMSAT 4 based (Linux SLES 9 64 bits)

Developed using the SMP2 Standard

Extends SIMSAT 4 MMI with GSTVi specific Views

Many GSTVi components have been derived from existing software and only a few are new developments

GSTVi R1 use existing, proven ground models

GSTVi Overview OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide

SIMULATION Infrastructure OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide Unified Modelling Framework (UMF) Simsat Runtime Space Models (Generic Models, Emulators, Specific Models) Simulator Reference Architecture Ground Models (Station back-end, Control Center) GSTVi Multi-purpose Operational Simulator Simulus Tevalis UMF

OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide MCS NIS TMTCS IFMS/TCDS EGSE/FEE Spacecraft TM/TC Spacecraft Model MCS Model NIS Model TIF EGSE / FEE I/F Ground System under Test GSTVi Component Space/Ground I/F SGM (SLE Model) MCS DIF IMBU (H/W) IMBU I/F AIV System Real Systems Simulated Systems The big picture Ground Segment Test and Validation Infrastructure

GSTVi Concepts OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide TTSCM TTC Streams GEM NISM MCSM TM/TC Spacecraft Model Space Link Model Ground Equipment Model Network Interface Model Mission Control System Model

GSTVi Concepts OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide TTSCM TTC streams GEM NISM MCSM TM/TC Spacecraft Model Space Link Model Ground Equipment Model Network Interface Model Mission Control System Model NIS

GSTVi Concepts OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide TTSCM TTC Streams GEM NISM MCSM TM/TC Spacecraft Model Space Link Model Ground Equipment Model Network Interface Model Mission Control System Model MCS

GSTVi Concepts OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide TTSCM TTC Streams GEM NISM MCSM TM/TC Spacecraft Model Space Link Model Ground Equipment Model Network Interface Model Mission Control System Model MCS MCSDIF

GSTVi Concepts OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide TTSCM TTC Streams GEM NISM MCSM TM/TC Spacecraft Model Space Link Model Ground Equipment Model Network Interface Model Mission Control System Model TMTCS Baseband Processing TM Channel Decoding IF & Modem Subsystem IMBU IMBU I/F MCSDIF TCDS IFMS

GSTVi Concepts OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide TTSCM TTC Streams GEM NISM MCSM TM/TC Spacecraft Model Space Link Model Ground Equipment Model Network Interface Model Mission Control System Model TMTCS Baseband Processing IMBU I/F TIF MCSDIF

GSTVi Concepts OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide TTSCM TTC Streams GEM NISM MCSM TM/TC Spacecraft Model Space Link Model Ground Equipment Model Network Interface Model Mission Control System Model MISSION SIMULATOR IMBU I/F TIF MCSDIF

GSTVi Concepts OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide TTSCM TTC Streams GEM NISM MCSM TM/TC Spacecraft Model Space Link Model Ground Equipment Model Network Interface Model Mission Control System Model IMBU I/F TIF MCSDIF Configuration Database SCOS 2000 MIB

Brief Component Description TM/TC S/C Model Simulates the on-board processing of TM/TC data. The level of simulation expected from the Model, frame, packet, or parameter level, is configurable by the user. Supports the simulation of a limited number of PUS services, including amongst others: command verification, House Keeping telemetry generation, and Time Reporting. The spacecraft behaviour simulation is supported by a mechanism that allows triggering of an action on receipt of telecommands that match given templates. Actions can be: Modification of a telemetry parameter value within the model, the execution of a script, and/or the generation of telemetry packets. OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide S/C Models

TM/TC S/C Model

Simulates the on-board processing of TM/TC data.

The level of simulation expected from the Model, frame, packet, or parameter level, is configurable by the user.

Supports the simulation of a limited number of PUS services, including amongst others:

command verification,

House Keeping telemetry generation, and

Time Reporting.

The spacecraft behaviour simulation is supported by a mechanism that allows triggering of an action on receipt of telecommands that match given templates. Actions can be:

Modification of a telemetry parameter value within the model,

the execution of a script,

and/or the generation of telemetry packets.

Brief Component Description Spacecraft Specific Model Extension (SSME) Extension mechanism allowing for the increase in the accuracy of the spacecraft simulation by actual simulation of the spacecraft equipments. In order to support the development of a SSME by the user, the GSTVi provides a development environment for the model extensions, which relies on the simulation toolkit provided in the underlying simulation environment. OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide S/C Models

Spacecraft Specific Model Extension (SSME)

Extension mechanism allowing for the increase in the accuracy of the spacecraft simulation by actual simulation of the spacecraft equipments.

In order to support the development of a SSME by the user, the GSTVi provides a development environment for the model extensions, which relies on the simulation toolkit provided in the underlying simulation environment.

Brief Component Description MCS Direct Interface (DIF) MCS Direct interface to a S/C Model via the TTC STREAMS communication mechanism. It provides the same interface as the NIS, and acts as an interface to a telemetry source and telecommand sink. It provides command uplink verification simulation, and supports the injection of various transmission failures. TMTCS Interface (TIF) Directly interfaces TMTCS to the S/C Model. The component receives CLTU’s from TMTCS through an IFMS interface, and transmits TC transfer frames to the S/C Model via TTC STREAMS. TMTCS SLE Ground Model (SGM) This component supports the testing of the OCC components. It provides an interface between a NIS and the S/C Model. It simulates the functional behaviour of the TMTCS related to: the processing of TM/TC data, including the simulation of SLE services from the provider side, the TMTCS files management, and the exchange of monitoring and control data according to the standard M&C I/F used by STC. OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide Ground Models

MCS Direct Interface (DIF)

MCS Direct interface to a S/C Model via the TTC STREAMS communication mechanism.

It provides the same interface as the NIS, and acts as an interface to a telemetry source and telecommand sink.

It provides command uplink verification simulation, and supports the injection of various transmission failures.

TMTCS Interface (TIF)

Directly interfaces TMTCS to the S/C Model.

The component receives CLTU’s from TMTCS through an IFMS interface, and transmits TC transfer frames to the S/C Model via TTC STREAMS.

TMTCS SLE Ground Model (SGM)

This component supports the testing of the OCC components. It provides an interface between a NIS and the S/C Model.

It simulates the functional behaviour of the TMTCS related to:

the processing of TM/TC data, including the simulation of SLE services from the provider side,

the TMTCS files management, and the

exchange of monitoring and control data according to the standard M&C I/F used by STC.

Brief Component Description MCS Model It provides a basic model of a SCOS-2000-based Mission Control System, easy to configure, that can be used as a source of telecommand and a sink for telemetry. The MCS Model supports three levels of simulation: frame-level simulation, packet-level simulation, and parameter-level simulation. NIS Model This component simulates the functional behaviour of the NIS related to the processing of TM/TC data, including the simulation of a SLE user. On the OCC components side, it provides to a MCS an interface for telecommand transmission and telemetry and administrative messages reception. On the Ground Model side, it provides an interface to TMTCS for transmission of telemetry and reception of telecommand. OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide OCC Models

MCS Model

It provides a basic model of a SCOS-2000-based Mission Control System, easy to configure, that can be used as a source of telecommand and a sink for telemetry.

The MCS Model supports three levels of simulation: frame-level simulation, packet-level simulation, and parameter-level simulation.

NIS Model

This component simulates the functional behaviour of the NIS related to the processing of TM/TC data, including the simulation of a SLE user.

On the OCC components side, it provides to a MCS an interface for telecommand transmission and telemetry and administrative messages reception.

On the Ground Model side, it provides an interface to TMTCS for transmission of telemetry and reception of telecommand.

GSTVi OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide Operational Usage

Who are the costumers? Mission Data Systems (OPS-GD/FCT) Ground Stations (OPS-GF, OPS-ON) Infrastructure (OPS-GI) OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide

Mission Data Systems (OPS-GD/FCT)

Ground Stations (OPS-GF, OPS-ON)

Infrastructure (OPS-GI)

Configuration process OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide GSTVi Configuration Data SCOS 2000 MIB RF Characteristics SICF Files

Who Supplies the configuration Data? OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide Item Supplier Mission SCOS 2000 MIB Mission FCT (OPS-GD) RF Characteristics OPS-ONV, OPS-ONF SICF Files OPS-ONV

How do we configure GSTVi? OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide Infrastructure (OPS-GI) Ground Station (OPS-GS/ON) Mission Data Systems (OPS-GD + FCT) Includes On-site support

GSTVi OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide Demo

GSTVi Demo Mission Configuration Editor Demo (Both integrated and in a standalone browser). A Simsat foundation (Simsat Runtime Perspective) GSTVi Perspectives (S/C Model, SGM, NIS, MCS) Start MCS Model Processing (Show MCS Perspective) Load some commands in the Manual Stack and dispatch them Observe the TC reception on board the S/C (Frames received increased) Switch back to Command Verification View in MCS and verify that commands were successfully received on board the S/C (Stage 3 verification report). Show TM flowing out through the chain (S/C Model, SGM, NIS, SCOS). OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide

Mission Configuration Editor Demo (Both integrated and in a standalone browser).

A Simsat foundation (Simsat Runtime Perspective)

GSTVi Perspectives (S/C Model, SGM, NIS, MCS)

Start MCS Model Processing (Show MCS Perspective)

Load some commands in the Manual Stack and dispatch them

Observe the TC reception on board the S/C (Frames received increased)

Switch back to Command Verification View in MCS and verify that commands were successfully received on board the S/C (Stage 3 verification report).

Show TM flowing out through the chain (S/C Model, SGM, NIS, SCOS).

GSTVi OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide Schedule

GSTVi Delivery Schedule PA Delivery -> Nov. 2008 FA Delivery -> March. 2009 EOW Delivery ->Oct. 2009 OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide

PA Delivery -> Nov. 2008

FA Delivery -> March. 2009

EOW Delivery ->Oct. 2009

GSTVi Summary OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide Summary

Summary

The Way Forward Start with GSTVi for data systems development and testing Consequence: Sim development can start later. Replace GSTVi TM/TC model with a mission specific high-fidelity simulator (using GETS in D1 to avoid immaturity of OBSW) Shorter development cycles through reuse of models and reference architecture. OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide

Start with GSTVi for data systems development and testing

Consequence: Sim development can start later.

Replace GSTVi TM/TC model with a mission specific high-fidelity simulator (using GETS in D1 to avoid immaturity of OBSW)

Shorter development cycles through reuse of models and reference architecture.

Conclusions GSTVi: Supports the technical validation of data systems involved in TM/TC data exchange Supports the full cycle of validation campaigns, from isolated testing up to end-to-end ground segment tests Builds upon the concepts introduced with PSS MkIII and the operational experience gained with it It relies on the general simulators infrastructure (SIMSAT, SMP2, Ground Models) It supports the operational simulator development lifecycle It provides a comfortable environment to execute tests manually and automatically. OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide

GSTVi:

Supports the technical validation of data systems involved in TM/TC data exchange

Supports the full cycle of validation campaigns, from isolated testing up to end-to-end ground segment tests

Builds upon the concepts introduced with PSS MkIII and the operational experience gained with it

It relies on the general simulators infrastructure (SIMSAT, SMP2, Ground Models)

It supports the operational simulator development lifecycle

It provides a comfortable environment to execute tests manually and automatically.

Thank you for your attention ! Let’s build the future Let’s continue to build the future OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide

Let’s continue to build the future

Backups OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide

Assembly A - MCS Isolated Testing (replayed TM) OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide This assembly allows testing the Mission Control System using the MCS DIF ground model. The MCS DIF replays telemetry frames read from a file and sends these frames to the MCS. The MCS DIF uses the services of the TM/TC data recorder and replayer (DRR) for reading the telemetry files.

Assembly B – MCS Isolated Testing (Simulated and replayed TM) OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide This assembly allows testing the Mission Control System using the MCS DIF ground model. The telemetry can be real-time simulated telemetry generated by the SCM and SSME GSTVi models, or can be telemetry read from a file via the TM/TC data recorder and replayer (DRR).

Assembly C – MCS Isolated Testing (Simulated and replayed TM – 2 sources) OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide This assembly allows testing the Mission Control System using the MCS DIF ground model. The telemetry can be real-time simulated telemetry generated by the SCM and SSME GSTVi models, or can be telemetry read from a file via the TM/TC data recorder and replayer (DRR). The telemetry can be read from a file by the MCS DIF or by the SCM.

Assembly E – TMTCS Isolated Testing OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide This assembly allows testing the TMTCS in complete isolation from the rest of the ground segment using the TMTCS Interface (TIF) ground model to interface to the spacecraft, and the NIS and MCS model to simulate the mission control system. On the spacecraft side, the telemetry can be telemetry generated in real-time by the SCM and SSME GSTVi models, or can be telemetry read from a file via the TM/TC data recorder and replayer (DRR).

Assembly F – G/S Stand-Alone Testing OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide This assembly allows testing the IFMS, TCDS and TMTCS ground station equipment in isolation from the rest of the ground segment. The IFMS/TCDS interfaces to the GSTVi IMBU hardware unit at baseband/IF level for exchange of telemetry and telecommand data. The TMTCS interfaces to the NIS and MCS models which simulate the mission control system. On the spacecraft side, the telemetry can be telemetry generated in real-time by the SCM and SSME GSTVi models, or can be telemetry read from a file via the TM/TC data recorder and replayer (DRR).

Assembly H – NIS Connectivity Testing OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide This assembly allows testing the NIS and the connectivity between the NIS and the TMTCS located at the ground station and between the NIS and the mission control system. The NIS interfaces to the MCS model which simulates the mission control system. On the spacecraft side, the telemetry can be telemetry generated in real-time by the SCM and SSME GSTVi models, or can be telemetry read from a file via the TM/TC data recorder and replayer (DRR).

Assembly I – PSS OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide This assembly allows testing the TM/TC path through the full integrated ground segment and running data flow tests from the station front-end down to the MCS. The IFMS/TCDS interfaces to the spacecraft simulator via the IMBU and the IMBU I/F model. On the spacecraft side, the telemetry can be telemetry generated in real-time by the SCM and SSME GSTVi models, or can be telemetry read from a file via the TM/TC data recorder and replayer (DRR).

Assembly K – Long Loop Operational Simulation OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide This assembly allows testing the full set of ground data systems, including the actual G/S components sitting at the ground station and the OCC in realistic operational scenarios involving the operational spacecraft simulator. In this assembly, the GSTVi is only used to relay the telemetry and telecommand data. The IFMS/TCDS interfaces to the operational simulator via the IMBU, the IMBU I/F model and the SLE ground model (SGM). The SCM is only used for updating telemetry frame counters and generating idle frames when needed.

Assembly M – NDIU Ultra-Light OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide This assembly allows running system validation tests (SVT) in order to test the OCC components of the ground segment using the S/C interfacing to GSTVi via the FEE. This assembly also allows using the simulated spacecraft (SCM) in order to run data flow tests prior to the System Validation Tests. Switching the telemetry and telecommand flow from the simulated spacecraft (SCM) to the S/C via the FEE and the EGSE/FEE interface and vice-versa is possible at real time.

Assembly N – Operational Spacecraft Simulator Testing OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide This assembly allows testing the operational spacecraft model part of the operational simulator. The operational spacecraft model does not interface to the mission control centre via the SLE ground model and the NIS, but via the MCSDIF model. The GSTVi MCS model simulates the mission control centre.

Assembly Z – GSTVi Isolated Testing OPS-G Forum 07 November 2008 Slide This assembly is a specific test configuration used to test the Mission Configuration Database (MCDB) and the correct installation of GSTVi and MCDB on the target workstation. This assembly is not meant to be used for testing of the ground segment since it only uses simulation components. The TM/TC data recorder may be used by both by the MCS model and SCM to record the data sent and received by these models for further inspection and checking.