Operational control of the ERS-1 Active Microwave Instrumentation
Abstract
The ERS-1 Active Microwave Instrumentation (AMI) is required to operate in a number of measurement, system calibration and other modes according to very precise mission timelining requirements, pre-programmed from the mission control station via the spacecraft's on-board computer (OBC) to the AMI's own microprocessor-based Instrument Control Unit. This paper describes the operational requirements for the AMI, including operational mission timelines, mode control and instrument control system design. As the spacecraft is out of contact with the ground station for a large part of its operating lifetime, and a large number of mode switching and other autonomous instrument control functions are required, the operational demands on the 8086 microprocessor controllers and associated control circuits are complex and demanding. Problems associated with autonomous microprocessor control of a complex spaceborne instrument are identified and solutions to these problems described. Some future developments in this fast developing field are also discussed.
- Publication:
-
GEC Journal Research
- Pub Date:
- 1986
- Bibcode:
- 1986GECJR...4..239J
- Keywords:
-
- Ers-1 (Esa Satellite);
- Microprocessors;
- Microwave Equipment;
- Numerical Control;
- Onboard Data Processing;
- Satellite-Borne Instruments;
- Mission Planning;
- Remote Sensing;
- Scatterometers;
- Synthetic Aperture Radar;
- Spacecraft Instrumentation