GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT AND GROUND UNIT CERTIFICATION IN THE FRAME OF THE ESA SPACE PROGRAMS

摘要

In space programs, Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and Ground Units (GU) are set forth for application during manufacturing, assemblies, integration, test and operations. At launch centres, all activities are subject to specific safety rules to protect operations personnel. When GSE and GU are developed for use outside the launch centres they will not have been subjected to the launch centre safety rules and restrictions. In certain cases such items may end up even outside an Agency facility and be accessible to personnel not trained to recognise hazardous conditions. People may therefore be exposed to risk throughout the duration of the operations on ground and are vulnerable to any technical deficiencies of GSE and GU. The objective of the conducted work has been to investigate and define the need, scope and requirements for GSE and GU certification in the context of ESA space programs. Definition Ground Support Equipment (GSE) GSE is defined as optical, mechanical, fluidic and electrical support equipment or systems used for example for calibration, measurements, testing, simulation, transportation, and handling of space segment or of space segment elements. Ground Units (GU) For the purpose of this work, GU are understood to be replicas at differing levels of fidelity to payloads to be used for scientific research purpose on manned space flights. Such GU will be used for scientific research or astronaut training on ground. They include also medical equipment in the case of life science experiments. The Technical analysis performed comprised the following activities.