Could orbiter be used to control real rcokets?
- Thread starter jjake101
- Start date
Based on my understanding about the Apollo Guidance Computer I could say that LTMFD is pretty close to a realistic system from some parts. Of course, it doesn't have a position nor velocity tracking software. Navigation data is pretty accurate and the powered flight guidance is pretty close what the Apollo had. Orbiter doesn't know how much delta velocity a vessel has gained, so the LTMFD will integrate the velocity change in the fly. Like the PIPA units did in the Apollo.
It's true that Orbiter can't be used to control a real spacecraft.
But... in my mind, it may be possible to use Orbiter as an additional tool to support the development of a guidance/autopilot software which maybe also can work on a real spacecraft (if you develope the sofware further...But I do not recommend to release a software which is ONLY tested in Orbiter!)...
So in my mind, the basic functions for controlling a spacecraft could be developed in Orbiter (or maybe just in parts?).
But for doing so, you have to simulate sensors as they are working in real also... and you have to know, that not all data (such as speed and altitude) are so exactly in real as they are in Orbiter.
But... in my mind, it may be possible to use Orbiter as an additional tool to support the development of a guidance/autopilot software which maybe also can work on a real spacecraft (if you develope the sofware further...But I do not recommend to release a software which is ONLY tested in Orbiter!)...
So in my mind, the basic functions for controlling a spacecraft could be developed in Orbiter (or maybe just in parts?).
But for doing so, you have to simulate sensors as they are working in real also... and you have to know, that not all data (such as speed and altitude) are so exactly in real as they are in Orbiter.
Urwumpe
Not funny anymore
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2008
- Messages
- 38,965
- Reaction score
- 3,937
- Points
- 203
- Location
- Wolfsburg
- Preferred Pronouns
- Sire
Well, you would just need a framework for add-ons to operate with flawed sensor data, and have error models for the sensors. Nothing impossible, we actually develop such models in SSU, based on the specifications of the STS hardware - but it could be made better than what we have done so far. The architecture there is not really great, though the libUltra part of it already goes into a great direction. Some more refactoring and it could be used as base for many spacecraft with similar complexity.
The feasibility studies of Cassini's trajectory from cruise through orbital insertion were explored in-depth on an Apple II+ computer in the early 1980's. This was a 1MHz machine with typically 48K ram, and Microsoft BASIC.
As it stands now, its not a matter of Orbiter being able to control a rocket. The architecture of Orbiter isn't geared toward that outcome. While Orbiter obeys and "understands" the laws & equations that govern a real rocket's trajectory, it is "wired" to do other things like drive a visualization engine. The framework is not a good fit, not even a fit at all. It would be like like sticking wheels on a boat instead of a propeller. The physics behave as you'd expect, but the coupling to the real world is all wrong. So you see, the question isn't really a fair one.
What Orbiter can do is demonstrate the power of today's microprocessors. And today's chips (even ones from 20 years ago) are eminently capable of guiding a rocket.
As it stands now, its not a matter of Orbiter being able to control a rocket. The architecture of Orbiter isn't geared toward that outcome. While Orbiter obeys and "understands" the laws & equations that govern a real rocket's trajectory, it is "wired" to do other things like drive a visualization engine. The framework is not a good fit, not even a fit at all. It would be like like sticking wheels on a boat instead of a propeller. The physics behave as you'd expect, but the coupling to the real world is all wrong. So you see, the question isn't really a fair one.
What Orbiter can do is demonstrate the power of today's microprocessors. And today's chips (even ones from 20 years ago) are eminently capable of guiding a rocket.
