REAL-TIME SENSOR VALIDATION FOR PROPULSION SYSTEMS

Real-time validation of rocket engine sensor data improves mission safety and reduces flight operations and ground test costs. NASA Lewis Research Center, in partnership with Expert Microsystems, Inc., and Intelligent Software Associates, Inc., has developed an innovative sensor validation software application enabling real-time, automated sensor failure detection for all types of mission critical systems. This technology is broadly applicable to any aerospace or industrial control and safety system where: • Time-critical, closed-loop control or safety monitoring depend on sensor input; • Unexpected process interruptions due to sensor failures or false alarms are uneconomical. Testing performed to date has verified that these sensor validation algorithms enable highly reliable real-time data validation for mission critical Space Shuttle Main Engine performance sensors, including the turbine discharge temperatures on both turbopumps. In this paper, we describe the development history of the sensor validation system software. The most recent software enhancements are described and discussed in the context of Space Shuttle Main Engine health monitoring.