Space Shuttle data acquisition and processing

Abstract

The techniques of minimizing the amount of Space Shuttle data processed by using real-time ground data and on board computer to prescreen the data are presented. With the advent of long duration space flight and the large amounts of data generated, it became necessary to limit the amount of data to be processed and also to present data in a manner that highlights the most important data. The Shuttle operational data system with output of 128 kilobits/sec, the developmental flight instrumentation system, and screening of data by the analysts, flight crew, or onboard computers is described, noting that by using these monitoring methods the mission evaluation team can rapidly determine time periods for which postflight data processing is required. Postflight processing systems, batch system output products, data compression techniques, the interactive computer system, and the special telemetry conversion system are discussed, and it is concluded that the combination of Shuttle on board and ground data processing systems enhances the ability to perform a functional evaluation of the Space Shuttle vehicle.