Hardware/software integration & verification for the mobile servicing system of the international space station

• Published in: Acta astronautica 1999, Vol.44 (7), p.391-398
• Main Author: Foran, F.L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Computer hardware; Computer software; Mobile robots; Orbits; Robotics
• ISSN: 0094-5765; 1879-2030
• DOI: 10.1016/S0094-5765(99)00085-5

The system architecture of the Mobile Service System (MSS) forms an integral part of the architecture of the International Space Station (ISS) in which elements interact through data components controlled by their respective element software. Tne element developers produce software components which, subsequent to being validated on their respective elements, are integrated and verified in test environments which are representative of the integrated MSS/ISS system. This is the classical method for integration and verification. If program software requirements are, for various reasons, slow to finalize, the software development process starts later than anticipated, and following the classical development/verification processes, could put the scheduled software deliveries at risk. A new approach to development and verification is needed which must encompass the entire software program from component unit software to fully integrated system software. This paper describes the approach which was taken to perform system hardware/software integration and verification with software components which were essentially incomplete, but were developed in a phased fashion, having mutually compatible functionality. The paper describes the MSS and ISS system architecture, the various software components and an overview of the original integration and verification plan. The paper will then describe the new integration approach which was developed, and discuss the evolution of the various software components in terms of functionality and their phased integration into a system. The paper will conclude by providing a summary of the results of the integration and verification activities, and demonstrate how delivery schedules for the integrated system software were met.