The Integrated Mission Simulator

Abstract

Space mission simulator programs may be divided into two broad categories: (1) training tools (quali tative devices often simulating a continuous mission), and (2) laboratory tools (quantitative devices treating the mission in phases, each phase being programmed separately to obtain optimum scaling). This paper describes the development of an analog program capable of continuously simulating an entire lunar mission in six degrees of freedom with high resolu tion throughout. The reported work logically traces the program development through the equations of motion, the guidance and control equations, and the analog mechanization. The translation equations are de veloped using a modified form of Encke's method; two reference origins are utilized at the two points of primary interest—the landing site and the target vehicle—such that the displacements are approach ing a minimum in the regions where the highest reso lution is required. The variables are rescaled as this region is approached to obtain maximum accuracy. Relays, stepping switches and diode gates are used for rescaling and to re-reference origins. A particular Euler angle sequence is selected based on matrix validity criteria applied to the mission. A previously reported guidance technique is shown to be appli cable to all phases of the mission. It is concluded that the method demonstrated in this paper leads to minimum computer loading for simulating a manned space mission without program discontinuities. Supporting data include an analog- computed trajectory representative of a long-dura tion mission, which is compared in detail with a digital solution.