Description of Driving Event:
Orbiter Avionics Modifications
Lesson(s) Learned:
The Space Shuttle is about to receive two major avionics upgrades--a triple redundant Global Positioning System (GPS) installation and the Multi-Function Electronic Display System (MEDS)-both of which require significant changes to the Primary Flight Software (PFS) and Backup Flight Software (BFS) systems.
Recommendation(s):
The Space Shuttle program should ensure that both the GPS and MEDS software changes are thoroughly tested in the Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory (SAIL) using the normal and enhanced test protocols that have proved to be robust when testing major modifications.
Evidence of Recurrence Control Effectiveness:
The SSP concurs that all software and hardware changes need thorough testing, and it recognizes the extremely important role that SAIL testing fulfills in the complement of testing for software certification. All Shuttle software or hardware upgrades are assessed to determine integrated verification test requirements. The SSP and its contractors cooperate to produce integrated hardware and software test implementation plans, test requirements documents, and integrated test schedules to assure that the required resources, including SAIL, are available. All these plans are reviewed and approved by the program. Thorough testing of each new capability is then performed and analyzed. This same rigorous process that is used for flight software Operational Increment (OI) updates will be applied to the MEDS, GPS, other Shuttle upgrades, and future software updates.
Documents Related to Lesson:
N/A
Mission Directorate(s):
- Space Operations
- Exploration Systems
Additional Key Phrase(s):
- Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel
- Computers
- Human Factors
- Software
Additional Info:
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