Space technology transition using hardware in the loop simulation

This paper treats the development of a laboratory within the USAF Phillips Lab for the purpose of integrating component technologies and demonstrating spacecraft subsystem/payload level capabilities. The lab will facilitate the transition of technologies to flight. The infrastructure will be such that virtually any type of spacecraft payload or subsystem can be brought in, as long as the technologies are mature. The emphasis is placed upon the hardware in the loop (HIL) simulation evaluation. End to end HIL simulation has several benefits within the Phillips Lab, including (1) bringing forth spacecraft integration problems before spending millions of dollars to put a system into space, (2) exploring scenarios for in-flight anomalies and hardware and software failures, (3) showing the utility of component technologies and subsystems to the warfighter, (4) evaluating various potential mission concepts, (5) selling programs to upper management, (6) training of operators and educating lab personnel in how theater operations are performed with respect to obtaining data from space, Based on monetary constraints, the lab must leverage off of existing hardware in the loop facilities, such as Wright Lab's Kinetic Kill Vehicle HIL facility (KHILS), JPL's Flight System Testbed (FST), Arnolds Engineering Development Center (AEDC), etc., in terms of networking in, mimicking equipment, and utilizing lessons learned. The cost for setting up the HIL facility will be further reduced by building the lab based on requirements for the individual projects coming in, rather than up front construction of a HIL laboratory.