An Abort Failure Detection, Notification, & Response System: Overview of an ISHM Development Process

Timely detection and response to catastrophic events during the launch and ascent phase of a launch system is of paramount importance to crew safety. This requires an abort system capable of detecting and confirming conditions that may lead to catastrophic failure, notifying the crew of the problem, and responding in time to allow the crew to escape safely. The development process for an Abort Failure Detection, Notification, and Response System is described. The process follows an iterative approach that first analyzes the vehicle design and identifies potential abort conditions. Those conditions are then characterized through modeling and simulation, with the results being used to identify required sensors and develop algorithms capable of detecting and responding to abort anomalies that could jeopardize the crew and mission. This process can be applied in the development of future crewed vehicles and other complex vehicle systems.