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Completed TRL 6 (started at 1, targeting 6)
The Integrated Power, Avionics, and Software (IPAS) facility is a flexible, multi-mission hardware and software design environment. This project will develop a flexible system integration capability, focusing on common tools and processes that have been vetted by engineers and operators, and that can be applied to a variety of missions and analyses. This project will yield a mature IPAS system able to deploy the capabilities to various new projects across the agency, such as MMSEV using the Core Flight Software.
iPAS will develop several important technologies required to support system design and integration as well as space technology maturation. These services include: A Test Orchestration scripting language called mREST that allows test conductors to monitor and control equipment from any web-enabled device. A flexible data network architecture that allows technology teams to test in isolation, but enables cross-system integration when needed. This capability is tied to test orchestration and simulation, allowing mission parameters to support network management (for instance, attaching avionics systems together at docking). Development of SysML models of components, and sponsoring the development of MagicDraw plug-ins. Products produced from the models include interface control specifications, telemetry dictionaries, and test specifications using Automated Test Markup Language (ATML). A multi-center data network capable of supporting both integrated data exchange as well as test monitoring for remote engineers and labs.
iPAS will enable engineers with innovative ideas to quickly design, develop, and test their technologies within a flight-like space system environment. By leveraging off the iPas-provided services and tools, and by interacting with other space hardware simulators and emulators, new ideas can be fleshed out quickly and performance metrics collected.
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This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
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