Mariner Mars 1971 science operational support equipment

The Mariner Mars 1971 science operational support equipment (SOSE) was developed to support the checkout of the proof test model and flight spacecraft. The test objectives of the SOSE and how these objectives were implemented are discussed. Attention is focused on the computer portion of the SOSE, since incorporation of a computer in ground checkout equipment represents a major departure from the support equipment concepts previously used. A functional description of the major hardware elements contained in the SOSE is also included, along with the operational performance of the SOSE during spacecraft testing.