Software tests in space Artificial intelligence for the Orion spacecraft

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Keysight Technologies Deutschland GmbH

GGB Heilbronn GmbH

Mission-critical systems in aerospace must be rigorously tested. Only in this way can performance and safety be ensured. Artificial intelligence can assist in testing here.

Over the past decade, the space industry has changed. No longer are governments driving space exploration; instead, private companies and billionaire entrepreneurs are pushing the boundaries of what was considered possible just ten years ago. The result is explosive growth and a veritable gold rush in space.

Space missions are commonplace today, with SpaceX alone conducting more than one flight per week in 2022 [1]. From building the next generation of reusable rockets to expanding communications satellites in low Earth orbits to reaching planets in deeper regions of the solar system with the goal of sending humans to Mars—innovation knows no bounds! However, to achieve these goals, it is crucial that the technology delivers the expected performance.

Technology is heavily stressed

The harsh environment of space is challenging for the technology used. From the stresses during launch, the enormous temperature fluctuations, the effects of radiation in orbit, to the challenges of communication and the amount of space debris—these hurdles should not be underestimated. Therefore, hardware and software must be resilient enough to withstand these stresses and continue to function as expected.

Space equipment and technology are extremely complex and increasingly reliant on software. In the 1970s, for instance, satellites had little to no software compared to today's mega-satellite constellations that depend on software-driven services for communication.

Extensively test hardware with AI

To ensure these technologies function reliably, they must be rigorously tested in all possible scenarios. Given the sheer amount of code, manual tests are impractical due to reasons such as complexity, cost, and time.

The use of AI-driven software automation is the only way to ensure that the technology is space-ready. Intelligent automated testing can provide insights into launch and orbit readiness. Every possible scenario must be tested quickly and thoroughly. This is crucial, and artificial intelligence helps teams identify where potential problems are most likely to occur. This allows issues to be resolved before the physical launch. In this way, it is ensured that software and technology deliver the desired results.

Interactive systems must function reliably

Testing code for compliance is not sufficient in any environment, especially not in the harsh environment of space. Using automated tests to test through the eyes of the user—in addition to the entire user experience, functionality, performance, and usability—means that the tests accurately reflect what the user does.

For example, it is crucial to assess how the systems work together and understand the space. It is necessary to comprehend the interface of these systems. Developers can ensure that what is displayed to operators in mission control is also what is being sent and received. When humans are on board, interactive systems must provide reliable and accurate information that is visually easy to interpret. For instance, the data may be correct, but if a control panel obscures the information or the values are cut off, this must be recognized and corrected before the spacecraft enters orbit.

Automated tests for the Orion spacecraft

Another advantage of AI-driven testing is that it accelerates the development of technological advancements. Moreover, the tests can be easily scaled as the technology matures and more complexity is integrated. This is crucial given the rapid growth and developments in the space industry. Consequently, companies and authorities are increasingly relying on automated testing.

An example of this is NASA, which has integrated the intelligent automation platform Eggplant [2] from Keysight Technologies. NASA engineers test whether the software in the Orion spacecraft [3] delivers the expected and required performance under various demanding scenarios. To monitor the status of spaceflight and issue instructions to the crew, the cockpit is equipped with software-based digital displays that replace the old approach of using vast amounts of paper documents.

Testing is also conducted in orbit

The Orion developers utilize automation to dynamically assess the software's user-friendliness and ensure it is reliable and delivers the expected performance. For instance, it is verified whether the digital cockpit provides astronauts with the correct information. The end result is a significantly more efficient and thorough method for testing the entire lifecycle.

But testing isn't only done on Earth. Many additional tests are conducted while Orion is in orbit to monitor the spacecraft's condition and control capabilities. This is crucial, for instance, if an emergency occurs and communication with the mission control center on Earth is interrupted.

References

[1] 61 rocket launches! SpaceX celebrates record-breaking 2022. Space.com. Retrieved on July 13, 2023.

[2] Software Verification of Orion Cockpit Displays. NASA.gov. Retrieved on July 13, 2023.

[3] Orion Spacecraft. NASA.gov. Retrieved on July 13, 2023.