Science Module Development Guide for EPM Payloads

Abstract

The European Physiology Modules (EPM) Facility is one of ESA s four major payloads developed under ESA s Microgravity Facility for Columbus (MFC) program. EPM is planned to be launched in the European Columbus Laboratory (COL), as part of the International Space Station (ISS) initial configuration. In order to allow a wide spectrum of physiological studies in weightlessness conditions, the facility provides the infrastructure to accommodate a variable set of scientific equipment. For the launch to ISS, an initial complement of experiments have been developed and provided by different companies and agencies. The EPM facility is designed as part of the Columbus program to remain integrated in COLUMBUS. Due to its concept, it offers the flexibility for future Modules to be easily integrated and/or exchanged during future increments. To ease the development and integration of new Modules for the EPM rack, a basic set of documentation is provided to the developer, together with a Active Container. This paper describes the development procedure for future EPM Modules, up to the integration and test in the EPM facility. This process is supported by a basic set of standardized documentation, procedures and tests, optimized following the experience of the performed development and integration cycle for the EPM-1 launch configuration. EPM CARRIER DESCRIPTION The EPM Carrier is designed to allow a wide spectrum of physiological studies under weightless conditions and it provides an easy accessible infrastructure for the accommodation of a variable set of scientific equipment and experiments at a maximum of eight possible rack positions. Fig. 1: EPM rack in first mission increment configuration (EPM-1) 54th International Astronautical Congress of the International Astronautical Federation, the International Academy of Astronautics, and the International Institute of Space Law 29 September 3 October 2003, Bremen, Germany IAC-03-J.P.01 Copyright © 2003 by the International Astronautical Federation. All rights reserved. 2 SCIENCE MODULE CONTAINER DESCRIPTION The experiments and the related equipment can be integrated in a Standard Active Container (SAC), providing a standardized physical interface to EPM. Alternatively, cabin equipment can connect to two dedicated EPM front panels, outfitted with standard interfaces for data exchange and power (so called Utility Distribution Panels). Fig. 2: EPM Standard Active Container with removed front panel The standard SAC size for rack mounted Modules is 4 PU, offering an internal size of app. 40 x 15 x 58 cm. The SAC, including a blank front panel and a pair of connectors on the rear side of the SAC for power and data connection to EPM, is part of the deliveries from EPM to the SM developer. Fig. 3: EPM Standard Active Container with its interfaces to the EPM facility The Standard Active Container offers the SM direct connection to the standard EPM interfaces for mechanical structure, electrical power, command, data handling and air cooling. In combination with its GSE, a SAC mounted instrument is a self-standing unit for a specific set of experiments. For the EPM-1 launch configuration, following Modules have been developed: • MEEMM (Multi-Electrode EEG Mapping Module) • CARDIOLAB (Cardiovascular Laboratory) • NASA SM • Samples Collection Kit (SCK) and Waste Management (only stowage) Detailed descriptions are available in the referenced documentation, e.g. [1] and [2]. SM DEVELOPMENT DOCUMENTATION Initially, the EPM project aimed to decouple the developer as much as possible from the complex ISS and Columbus environment and the major effort required to familiarize with their corresponding requirements by providing him a standardized set of documentation and processes, gathering all applicable requirements in one place. This allows the developer to focus mainly on the implementation and development of the scientific experiment, saving the major effort of analyzing Columbus and ISS requirement documents. The basic document for a developer is the SMIRD, the Science Interface Requirements Document and its appendices. It covers all applicable COLUMBUS and ISS requirements, together with the specific requirements for operating in and interfacing with the EPM facility. The SMIRD consists of four main volumes, covering requirements for a generic Module in the field of physical, mechanical and structural interfaces and environmental boundary conditions (volume 1), electrical and basic command & data handling interfaces (volume 2), software requirements (volume 3), and operational and human factors, product assurance & safety, and requirements related to flight and ground support equipment and ground models (volume 4). The SMIRD contains also additional applicable and referenced documentation, as far as it is not covered by the SMIRD itself.