Draper Lab Brings A New Age of Automation to the International Space Station
Productivity for both crew and ground controllers will improve when Timeliner automation software is used for the first time on-board the International Space Station during the Space Shuttle Atlantis’ current ISS Assembly Flight 9A (STS-112) launched on Oct. 7. The software will automate a number of functions that had been previously performed by space station crews and ground operators. For the current mission, Timeliner will be used to autonomously activate and control experiment payloads in the station’s new Microgravity Science Glovebox.
Developed by Draper Laboratory, Timeliner is the user interface language and execution environment used on the station to automate operations. It uses an English language syntax that does not require specialized computer programming. As in its current use with the Microgravity Science Glovebox, a primary function of Timeliner will be in the control and sequencing of on-board experiments -a capability that will enhance the scientific productivity of the astronauts by automating tasks that were previously done manually. Its other potential uses on-board the station include vehicle control, performance of preflight and post-flight subsystem checkouts, and handling of failure detection and recovery.
Timeliner executes programmed sequences of activities either autonomously or through interactive control with the astronauts or ground operators. It can run pre-defined “scripts” of procedures and allows intervention by system operators in real time through commands to install, remove, start, stop, step ahead, or resume scripts. The Timeliner scripts cause actions to be taken not only on the basis of time, but also triggered by system events or complex dynamic conditions. Timeliner can execute multiple simultaneous sequences of operations, running up to 40 scripts in parallel.
Timeliner is a modular system; consisting of a kernel and adaptors. The kernel is the core functionality of Timeliner and does not change across applications. Different adaptors have been developed that allow Timeliner to interface with a variety of operating systems, including the operating system of the International Space Station.
Timeliner was originally developed by Draper in 1981 for use in simulating tasks performed by astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle. In 1992, Timeliner was selected by NASA as the User Interface Language for the space station, and was installed on the space station’s Command and Control Processor and Payload Control Processor. A version of Timeliner has also been adapted for use on the space station’s Kibo Japanese Experiment Module, which is scheduled for launch on the space shuttle on the ISS 1J flight in May 2004.
Draper received a patent on Timeliner in 1998. It was licensed to Auspice, Inc. in 1997, allowing Auspice exclusive use of Timeliner for commercial markets. Draper retained the rights to sell or license the technology for research and development, government and commercial space applications, and internal use.
Auspice has commercialized Timeliner in a product called Auspice TLX , an enterprise-control system. Auspice customers who currently hold licenses for use of Auspice TLX include AT&T Broadband and Computer Sciences Corp. More information about Auspice, Inc. and its products can be found at www.auspiceinc.com.
Draper Laboratory, headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., is an independent, private, not-for-profit engineering research and development corporation. Known for its guidance, navigation, and control expertise, Draper also pioneers in microelectromechanical systems, fault-tolerant computing, and other mission critical technologies. For more information about Draper Lab, visit www.draper.com.
