Flight system testbed

The Flight System Testbed comprises a group of test sets, including a permanent Jet Propulsion Laboratory testbed to be used for technology infusion (e.g., an advanced lightweight camera at an early stage of development that can be integrated into a virtual spacecraft and tested) and a series of project-specific testbeds. Cost and risk are reduced, problems can be solved prior to costly flight qualification, and advanced technology can be built into the spacecraft design much earlier and with greater confidence. As new technology is accepted, it will be infused into project-specific testbeds, producing an evolving body of knowledge that will be accessible to flight projects.