Pre-Launch Diagnostics for Launch Vehicles

This paper discusses the opportunities for automating pre-launch fault detection and diagnostics for launch vehicles, by using ground-based computers to analyze data obtained from the pre-launch umbilical during integrated test and launch countdown operations in near-real time. Automation will improve the time to diagnose and isolate failures, which is critical for planned space missions that require multiple coordinated launches. The paper describes a prototype diagnostic system that we are currently developing for Ares I-X and the foundation that will be developed along with the prototype that will lead to certification of a diagnostic system. The prototype diagnostic system will focus on monitoring and diagnosing the Ares I-X first-stage thrust-vector control system and solid rocket motor during pre-launch activities at Kennedy Space Center. It will analyze data from existing sensors using rule-based, model-based, and data-driven algorithms.