Automation method of satellite control scripts creation

Control scripts are programs, written in specialized problem-oriented language, and used to control JSC “ISS” satellites. Control scripts formalize the sequence of commands to be uploaded, conditions for the command to be sent and some additional operations e. g. displaying a message to attract operator’s attention. All control scripts needed for routine satellite control are generated and tested by JSC “ISS” experts, and supplied as part of other initial data. In addition the possibility to generate new control scripts following the syntax rules of control scripts language is allowed. Process of satellite control script preparation, used in JSC “ISS”, is reviewed in this article. Control scripts are prepared manually, based on satellite control documentation, which contains all data needed. This method has the following disadvantages: a lot of time is required to create the scripts; possibility of errors due to human factor. Automatization method of control script preparation was designed: to use an algorithm of automatic control documentation analysis, which generates satellite control scripts in automatic mode. During the research several existing satellite control systems employed in the USA, Spain, Japan, etc. production were reviewed, but in spite of extensive use of satellite control languages, the similar algorithms were not found. The suggested method was implemented in the software prototype and its effectiveness was shown: application of the tool reduces control scripts generation time. The software is intended to be used to create control scripts to work with the satellites produced byJSC “ISS”.