Real-time microcomputer simulation for space Shuttle/Centaur avionics

The design of a simulator system for emulating the characteristics of Shuttle/Centaur avionic support equipment for launching the Solar Polar Mission and the Galileo probe are discussed. The simulators are being constructed on a modular basis for the Centaur control avionics, the Centaur Airborne Support Equipment avionics, the tanking skid ground support equipment, development mechanisms, the tanking skid ground support equipment, deployment mechanisms, the tanking onboard fluid functions, the star scanner guidance update avionics, the Orbiter command interface avionics, and the Orbiter power system. Each simulator portrays the actual working conditions, including signal delay times and harnessing. Block diagrams are provided of the interfaces and a flow diagram is presented of the software.