Elytra - Valve Simulation Testbench

Project Overview

Similar to how Blue Ghost has their valve simulation pelican case, Elytra needs a way to simulate power consumption from its Reaction Control Systems (RCS) without using the hardware on the real vehicle. Simulating this is important on the FlatSat (a testbench for every component of Elytra) to run mission scenarios and test the vehicle through multiple stages of its life.

Your Role and Contributions

  • I designed, built, tested, and validated a RCS simulation box which uses model loads to simulate power draw from valves, heaters, and temperature sensors. This was done by calculating and selecting power resistors which accurately modeled the characteristics of the valves and heaters. I also had to find a suitable model for temperature sensors which ended up being potentiometers with a certain resistance range which simulated the temperature range of a real sensor. This was calculated with a certain excitation voltage in mind which would output a similar voltage.
  • Along with component selection, I also learned how to make miniature harnesses and attach circular connectors which would allow the box to integrate with the FlatSat and vehicle similar to how the avionics system would integrate with the components.

    • Skills and Tools

    Goals and Objectives

    • Design, build, and test an Elytra RCS Testbench

    Outcomes and Achievements

    • The FlatSat was able to model and simulate every component of the RCS on Elytra without using real flight hardware

    Visual Aids

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    Top view of my simulation box. 12 resistors for the valve models, 4 resistors for the heater models, 8 potentiometers for 8 temperature sensors, visual feedback using LEDs, 4 harnesses corresponding to 4 connectors for avionics interface and banana plug voltage taps to verify actuation of each component

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    Isometric view of my simulation box

    Lessons Learned and Technical Takeaways

    • This task built upon my knowledge from my project with Blue Ghost; always find opportunity to use past knowledge to speed up the desing process of future projects.