ETTC'2003 - SEE

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Automatic Validation of Flight Control Procedures
Jean-Christophe Lloret
CNES Toulouse, 18, avenue Edouard Belin – 31401 Toulouse Cedex 4
lloret@cnes.fr
Tel:+33.5.61.28.29.61
fax :+33.5.61.28.27.01
Abstract
The validation of satellite Flight Control Procedures is a critical and time consuming task.
A new technique is proposed to improve FCP validation from an efficiency and quality point of view. This
technique is called “automatic” because it enables to test FCP without operator for controlling the satellite
simulator. This technique has been used at different phases of SPOT5 project : technical and operational
qualification, post-launch activities including operator training..
Keywords: Flight Control Procedures; Automatic Validation Technique ; Satellite Digital
Simulation. ; Validation Process.
1. Introduction
Since may 2002, SPOT5 satellite successfully fulfils an earth observation and imaging mission.
An underlying objective of SPOT5 qualification was to improve Flight Control Procedure (FCP)
definition and validation activities based on a new process.
Indeed, it is required to be more efficient in our qualification process. In the next two years, the
qualification of five new satellites is planned, with a non increasing operational staff. These
satellites are from three different families (Helios2, micro-satellite and mini-satellite) which is an
additional difficulty.
The proposed process is summarized, fig. 1. The different steps are detailed in the next sections.
A major improvement is the use of a digital satellite simulator (SINUS) together with an automatic
validation technique. The main characteristics of this process are the following :
1. From a technical point of view, the iteration loop between procedure definition and procedure
validation is shortened. Procedures are defined together with test cases / scripts and executed
immediately. There is a true synergy between these activities.
2. When FCPs and test cases are of same type, a description model is provided which can be
reused to define new FCPS and test cases of the same category.
3. The proposed process makes an intensive use of satellite numerical simulation facilities and
automatic validation tools [Lloret]. These facilities enable a short iteration loop.
4. Test planning aims at optimising the combined use of automatic tests and operability (manual)
ones with the ground control center in the loop. In fact, operability tests are delayed until all
FCPs are defined and validated using automatic validation tools. This enables to group
operability tests on a reduced period.
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