Albert Lin, (310) 416-3648, albert.y.lin@boeing.com
Shawn Struc, (310) 335-6335, shawn.m.struc@boeing.com
Toni Spiteri, (310) 662-9576, toni.m.spiteri@boeing.com
Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems
El Segundo, CA
BOEING is a trademark of Boeing Management Company.
Copyright © 2011 Boeing. All rights reserved.
Verify payload and antenna subsystem health post launch
• Tests are conducted in the on-station configuration to ensure payload hardware has not been degraded by exposure to launch, transfer orbit, deployments, and on-station environments
• Trend PIOT measurements using factory system test as a baseline in either a pre-coordinated test longitude or spacecraft operational longitude
• Perform on-orbit antenna far-field measurements to validate coverage performance and alignment, by comparing with factory test near field or modeled pattern data
• Measure and validate phased array calibration baseline (satellitedependent)
• Prepare for handover to customer or End-To-End system validation
BOEING is a trademark of Boeing Management Company.
Copyright © 2011 Boeing. All rights reserved.
Payload Initialization
Antenna Phased Array / Beacon Calibration
Antenna Mapping
Repeater and Telemetry and Command Test
Antenna Alignment Adjustment
Handover Configuration
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Copyright © 2011 Boeing. All rights reserved.
Analog “Bentpipe” Repeater Payloads
• BSS/FSS repeaters
• Spot beam repeaters
Digital Communication Payloads
• Geo-mobile satellites
• On-board digital processing and packet switching
• Phased array antenna
Satellite Telemetry and Command RF subsystem
• Command receivers and telemetry transmitters
BOEING is a trademark of Boeing Management Company.
Copyright © 2011 Boeing. All rights reserved.
Ground Beacon
External
Interfaces
C-Band Antenna
Network Ku-Band Antenna
T1-Network
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Copyright © 2011 Boeing. All rights reserved.
Network
Spacecraft
Command and
Telemetry
Antenna
Mission Control
Center
Select Beams for Mapping
Antenna
Mapping Test
Procedure
Requirement
Flow Down
IOT Test Plan
Test
Sequence
Definition
Test Config
Definition
Payload
Tests
Payload Test
Procedure
PIOT Design
Review
Test
Execution
Data Analysis Handover
BOEING is a trademark of Boeing Management Company.
Copyright © 2011 Boeing. All rights reserved.
Payload Configuration
Antenna Mapping
Communication Payload Tests
Array Calibration
BOEING is a trademark of Boeing Management Company.
Copyright © 2011 Boeing. All rights reserved.
Purpose
• Command payload units on and confirm appropriate telemetry responses
Approach
• Configure to trend factory data
– Redundant o Demonstrate health of redundant hardware not used in nominal on-station configuration o Redundant testing performed prior to primary testing to minimize power cycling of units
– Primary o Demonstrate performance of primary operational hardware prior to handover
– Final Handover o Final configuration required for transition to next test phase or customer operation
BOEING is a trademark of Boeing Management Company.
Copyright © 2011 Boeing. All rights reserved.
Purpose
• Demonstrate functional integrity
• Beam forming capability (for payload with array antenna)
• Determine antenna subsystem alignments via spacecraft slews and
RF measurements
• Adjust antenna alignment if necessary
Approach
• Slewing spacecraft
• Measure at different spots on the ground
Beam Selection
• Broad/Global Beam
– Cut Example
• Spot Beam
– Cut Example
BOEING is a trademark of Boeing Management Company.
Copyright © 2011 Boeing. All rights reserved.
Purpose
• Demonstrate health of all payload units via RF measurements
Approach
• Use standard test types as factory to characterize performance for data trending
– Passband flatness
– Effective Isotopic Radiated power (EIRP)
– Power control
• Build in flexibilities and limitations into test flow
– Account for environment such as weather and unexpected outside factors
BOEING is a trademark of Boeing Management Company.
Copyright © 2011 Boeing. All rights reserved.
Purpose
• Iterative optimization demonstrates calibrated phased array antenna is within specified performance residual accuracy in phase and amplitude
Approach
• Array calibration is performed and demonstrated on the ground during factory testing, but residual near-field testing errors remain
• Diurnal testing performed during PIOT to confirm antenna performance stability over a 24-hour period
BOEING is a trademark of Boeing Management Company.
Copyright © 2011 Boeing. All rights reserved.
Site Survey
• Ground Antenna System Interface
– Field of View Blockage
– Frequency allocation/coordination
• Antenna Hub Interface
– RF and mechanical interface
• Installation Considerations
– Building permit for remote installation
– IOT equipment location and cable routing
Ground Station Characterization
• Instrument calibrations required for absolute power measurements
• Verify ground station has sufficient measurement capability
– Ground station performance on G/T, EIRP, uplink and downlink dynamic range, passband response
BOEING is a trademark of Boeing Management Company.
Copyright © 2011 Boeing. All rights reserved.
Test hardware and software
• Equipment can be assembled and verified prior to deploying to PIOT ground station to reduce test setup issues
Rehearsal
• Payload commanding scripts and IOT procedures
Training
Coordination with other spacecraft subsystems required
Risk Mitigation Tests
• Subsystem tests
– Stand-alone test equipment
– Network and communication links
• Software simulations
• Ground testing against spacecraft in factory
BOEING is a trademark of Boeing Management Company.
Copyright © 2011 Boeing. All rights reserved.
Logistic Operation /Customer Interactions
• Provide sufficient workspace
– PIOT team requires adequate location for test measurements and analysis
– Presentation space required for customer data reviews
Team Communication Plan
• Schedule Flexibility
– Dynamic schedule changes to accommodate customer needs and other mission subsystems as well as unexpected events such as weather
– Alternative tests can be identified as a backup plan
BOEING is a trademark of Boeing Management Company.
Copyright © 2011 Boeing. All rights reserved.
Payload IOT process has been proven over 17 years
Continue to improve and evolve for more complex payloads and to maintain high performance standard
BOEING is a trademark of Boeing Management Company.
Copyright © 2011 Boeing. All rights reserved.