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International Space Station Multi-Element Integrated TestThe International Space Station offers a unique challenge for integrated testing since the entire station is not launched as an integrated vehicle. The ISS design evolved for over 10 years from the station Freedom program that was based on a "ship and shoot" approach. Ship and shoot assumed the program would accept the hardware for launch and integrate the vehicle on orbit without any ground element-to-element integrated testing. Element-to-Element powered-on integrated testing is needed to identify operational problems on the ground rather than once the hardware is on orbit. The industry is accustomed to testing an integrated vehicle and then verifying it is ready for its operational missions. These tests require ground element emulators to represent on-orbit elements. The ISS Multi-Element Integrated Tests (MEIT) are element-to-element integrated tests bringing together hardware representing several flights. The major purpose of these tests is: 1) Element-to-Element interface compatibility, 2) Systems end-to-end operability and functionality and 3) utilize on-orbit procedures with the crew and mission control center. Execution of these tests is critical since the hardware is available for only a limited period of time. Test configurations are defined which test specific interfaces or functionality. These tests develop operational confidence in the Element-to-Element interfaces and identify major problems on the ground to avoid on-orbit anomalies that could threaten mission success, element survivability or assembly activities. This paper addresses the MEIT process, configurations and lessons-learned from these tests.
Document ID
20000109669
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
Authors
Filler, Russell E.
(United Space Alliance Houston, TX United States)
Stone, Brock R.
Date Acquired
August 19, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1999
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Report/Patent Number
IAF-99-T.2.05
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS9-20000
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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