Infographic method to support testing of spacecraft onboard systems based on knowledge base

The paper proposes a method for testing the logic of functioning of spacecraft’s onboard systems based on the intelligent simulation model knowledge base. The relevance of the study is due to modern approaches to digitalization of the production of onboard equipment. This requires the replacement of traditional design methods and iterative refinement of technical systems based on costly multiple tests on digital twins for analyzing critical states of products. The authors have completed the formulation of the problem of testing the methods of command-telemetric interaction of spacecraft’s onboard systems. The complexity of the tests is associated with the variability of communication protocols and data structures, as well as the need to ensure continuous monitoring of incoming telemetry information. The investigated physical devices are represented by digital images in the elements of the model. Such a model contains graphical structures and knowledge bases and describes the technical characteristics and rules for the operation of systems. The authors proposed methods for constructing models, automating the formation of test procedures, conducting tests of onboard equipment and analyzing their results according to the precedents of simulation. We have proposed a method for creating a knowledge base of a simulation model - digital twins from the constructed test procedures and test results of the controlled object. Our method made it possible to formulate the composition of the rules and introduce their semantic interpretation. The built knowledge base of the model simulates the functions of onboard systems when receiving and transmitting commands, as well as the results of their processing. To analyze the completeness of test programs, we introduced formal operations that allow automating the comparison of the functioning methods of the investigated and reference models. The investigated model is built on the basis of test procedures. The reference model was created in the design of onboard systems. It reflects the behavior of devices specified in the technical documentation. Software tools have been created, which are included in the software of the control and testing equipment. The software allows conducting autonomous and complex tests. It simulates normal and abnormal operating conditions, emergency situations. It simulates failures of redundant devices and communication channels. New tools allow the designer of on-board equipment to evaluate the completeness of the test’s programs with being carried out in the complex, as well as for individual implementations of the main and backup sets of onboard equipment. Expert knowledge in simulation models provides visual criteria for assessing the completeness and reliability of tests and contributes to improving the quality of decisions made by the designer at the stages of production of spacecraft’s onboard systems.

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