AUTOMATION OF SPACE MATERIALS CONTAMINATION MEASUREMENT

摘要

Measurement of contamination and outgassing of materials used for space flight is conducted atMarshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in the 1238 Thermal Vacuum Chamber. Implementation of anautomated control system was initiated to improve the operation of the chamber and to increase thedependability, accuracy, and repeatability of results, and provide the ability to automate standardoperating procedures. The fundamental challenge was to provide as much automation as possible whileaccommodating the necessity of human intervention and adhering to established operating proceduresand stringent requirements.The control scenario for automation incorporated a distributed I/O control system and the creation of agraphical user interface (GUI). Manual operation though the GUI was enabled, as well as an automatedsequence that assured a rigid sequential procedure when activated. After implementing the distributedI/O control system and customizing the GUI for desired operation, the operation of the 1238 Chamberwas greatly enhanced. Initial tests indicated the 1238 Chamber would provide much greater reliabilityand ease of operation for future contamination testing at MSFC.